BILL GEORGE WITH PETER SIMS
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Discovering your True North for leadership takes a lifetime commitment and learning. It’s not like anyone can tell you how to do it. Neither learns it overnight as if learning a simple mathematical equation. Uncovering that true North requires a complicated process, as with authentic leadership.
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People can sense if you are true or not. People around you can see what needs to improve in yourself, and a leader is also a great listener. They listen to whatever the constituent are telling them without getting their feelings and pride getting stamped on. As a leader, you should let others shine a mirror on you to show you the ugly truth and identify which part of your character should improve. Knowing yourself can lead to your success, just like what happened to Doug Baker Jr., who became a successful CEO nine years after learning himself.
So, if you’re ready to find yours, keep reading to learn from authentic leaders about how they developed their skills and how to create your development plan to become an authentic leader.
There is no such thing as an instant leader. Being a leader will require you to walk on a journey that will take you through the peaks and valleys of life as you encounter many trials and tribulations. Maintaining your authenticity during these times will be the most significant challenge you will ever face. As you walk on that path to leadership, you will eventually face challenges that will crush you into minor pieces. On this part of your journey, you will see how motivated you are to become a leader.
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True North is the internal compass that guides you successfully through life.
-Bill George
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Unfortunately, many aspiring leaders need to gain their way during their leadership journey. They lose their true North and get out of the trail. The problem is not that these people are bad leaders. They have the potential to become a good and even great leader. It is just that somewhere along the way, they get too overwhelmed and get caught up with their success. Your True North represents who you are as a human being. Any leader can lose their way. Luckily you can go back the track by understanding that leadership is about empowering others and following your true North. As leaders climb that ladder to higher positions in organizations, some will automatically think that people below them will always follow them. Leadership is not about having others follow your orders or do your bidding. Instead, it’s about motivating others to empower themselves and reach their full potential.
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An authentic leader always thinks about the word “We” and not “I.” A genuine leader will think about the common good and not their interest. He would lead, pulling a giant stone instead of just giving his commands. Ultimately, every leader must undergo a metamorphosis in which they begin shifting their focus from “I” to “We.”
Leaders worldwide aim to become authentic leaders, but not everyone can do so. However, those who follow their True North and let their inner compass guide their decisions find the most success as a leader.Following your True North and gaining self-awareness was just the beginning. Lucky for you, finding authentic leadership and True North can begin at any age. You are always young enough to start learning. In short and simple language: you can discover your authentic leadership right now.
As a future Law Enforcement Officer, it is significant to know your true north. It will make you directed, be able to let your dreams float and exist in reality, and pursue earnest desire to spread your wings to the vast horizon or to have that ultimate sacrifice to live for a greater purpose.
A little note to self: “Wherever you go, may you always find your True North. At times when you don’t know where to go or want to stop, may you always ask yourself why you started the journey.”