Authentic leadership & the role model of Bill George is the former CEO of Medtronic

Authentic leadership emphasizes building legitimacy through honest relationships with followers (Gardner, Cogliser, Davis & Dickens, 2011; Kernis & Goldman, 2006). By fostering trust and enthusiasm, authentic leaders motivate employees, enhancing both performance and loyalty (George, 2003).

Authentic leaders are visionary and strive for excellence rather than perfection (George & Sims, 2007). Authenticity involves self-awareness, transparency, integrity, and ethical decision-making (Bass, 2006). According to Luthans & Avolio (2003), such leaders act genuinely, focusing on results over personal gain.

Key Qualities of Authentic Leaders

✔ Employee Empowerment – Authentic leaders focus on building strong relationships and organizations (Gardner et al., 2005).✔ Personal Inspiration – They draw motivation from personal experiences (Kernis & Goldman, 2006).✔ Commitment to Growth – They acknowledge mistakes and seek solutions (George, 2003).

Application of Authentic Leadership: Bill George at Medtronic

Bill George, former CEO of Medtronic, transformed the company into the world’s leading medical technology provider, increasing sales from $1.1 billion to $60 billion (American Management Association, 2007).

Leadership Philosophy & Impact

• Believed CEOs should not serve beyond 10 years to ensure innovation and fresh leadership.

• Emphasized self-awareness and acceptance of faults, aligning with the core principles of authentic leadership(Yukl, 2010).

• Advocated for stakeholder-focused leadership, prioritizing employees, shareholders, and customers (George, 2003).

• Encouraged employee empowerment, though he also held high expectations for performance.

• Used a transactional approach alongside authentic leadership, offering incentives and rewards for outstanding performance (American Management Association, 2007).

  
  

Real-Life Example: Medtronic’s Mission in Action

During a company holiday event, George invited patients who had benefited from Medtronic’s technology. A football player, whose life was saved by a Medtronic defibrillator, shared his story—reinforcing the company’s mission and societal impact.

Key Takeaways from Bill George’s Leadership

✔ Authentic Leadership Can Drive Business Success – Medtronic’s transformation under George proves that authenticity fosters growth and innovation.

✔ Values and Vision Are Key – He ensured Medtronic operated with consistency, discipline, and purpose (Eriksen, 2001).

✔ Balance Between Empowerment & Accountability – While advocating for employee development, he also demanded high performance standards.

George’s leadership demonstrates how authentic leadership, when combined with strategic decision-making, can drive sustainable success.