TO CHINESE READERS

Bill George has been pleased to work with Grand China Publishing House in releasing the Chinese version of True North. Since its launch in English in March 2007, True North has influenced readers around the world, and has become a Business Best-Seller in the Wall Street Journal and Business Week. It has been recommended by such prestigious media as the New York Times, Shanghai Daily, Wall Street Journal, Fortune, and Business Week. The following is a special letter to the Chinese readers written by Mr. George.

The Publisher

To the Chinese Readers of True North:

Welcome to the rapidly growing community of authentic global leaders!

China is the world’s most rapidly growing market, and is developing leaders like you at a very rapid rate. This Chinese edition opens up the leadership ideas of True North to Chinese readers throughout the world.

I have long thought that the leadership philosophy of True North is especially appealing to the beliefs and principles of Chinese business leaders. This has been affirmed in the True North leadership courses I teach in Chinese at Harvard Business School to senior executives of Chinese companies. These ideas are entirely consistent with the principles of Confucius on which Chinese society has been built.

In contrast to the short-term shareholder maximization ideas of Wall Street, True North helps leaders realize that their only route to long-term success is through developing themselves as authentic leaders and creating authentic organizations that can sustain long-term success.

As you will read in the life stories of the 125 authentic leaders from around the world whom we interviewed for True North, leadership comes from discovering your passions to lead from your unique life story, and then empowering your employees to step up to leadership. A unique example of the success of these ideas is the story of Andrea Jung, chair and CEO of Avon Products. Through the principles of her Chinese heritage, Andrea leads the world’s largest organization – 5.5 million – in China and around the world.

In this historic period of China’s development, I am humbled by this opportunity to reach China’s current and future leaders, and to contribute in this modest way to the development of authentic leaders who will China’s business community. I wish the very best as you embark on the journey to discovering your authentic leadership.

Sincerely,

Bill George

Professor of Management Practice, Harvard Business School and former Chairman & CEO, Medtronic, Inc.