Your Values Rule

One of the most enjoyable books of recent memory is True North by Bill George. I say enjoyable because it is well written and reflects some of my own experience in a nicely developed format. In particular his discussion of becoming an authentic leader reinforces my long held view that values, especially in the health care context, are preeminent for the doctor CEO. Under the stress of daily or larger business related concerns applying and using your values to make decisions and guide the health care organization is critical. Here is a very small part of an interview by Erin White 12/3/07 for the Wall Street Journal with Mr. George. WSJ: What defines an authentic leader, and how do you become one? Mr. George: They lead with their whole selves—their hearts as well as their heads. They don’t get pulled off course by seductions and pressures. Every leader who has failed, that I have seen, has not failed to lead other people, they’ve failed to lead themselves.