Bill George is an author and senior fellow at Harvard Business School who has taught leadership for over a decade and held numerous positions of influence in top-tier organizations. George recently released an e-book entitled, Lead True. I resonate with his work and applaud his outspoken efforts to advance human-centered, authentic leadership practices, as it is not always an easy or popular path to pursue. Lead True is a compilation of articles, book excerpts and personal commentary from George that capture his core values and insight from his bestselling True North series of books.
According to George, "Your True North -- which is unique to you -- is the internal compass that guides you successfully through life, representing who you are at your deepest level. It is based on your beliefs, your most cherished values, your passions and motivations, and the sources of true fulfillment in your life." Regardless of the stage in life that you are in, or your set of personal circumstances, to hit the mark on your "true north" is not something that is accomplished overnight. Just like leading from the heart -- defining and actualizing your higher purpose requires deep introspection, self-awareness, and discernment. The book poses contemplation-worthy questions inviting readers to examine how they measure success.
Do you value success or significance? It is a momentous question that requires the reader to dig in and do the work -- to pause and thoroughly assess your life and discover your fundamental calling. To help you get started, George came up with 30 reflective questions, listed below. It is recommended that you try not to answer them all at once, but rather take your time and mindfully contemplate your responses by answering one question per day, for 30 days. Finally, consider this piece of advice from George, "Remember, if you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there."
30 questions to help you find your True North:
1. What do you want your legacy to be? 10, 20, 50 years from now, what will your life stand for?