Episode Summary
In this powerful follow‑up to the “True North Values” discussion, Dr. Tom Lawless and George Trachilis unpack the 5 Amazing True North Values that can guide any organization toward clarity, trust, and sustainable excellence. These values summarize the vital lessons learned from Toyota, Shingo, and real‑world leaders who live what they teach.
“Your True North Values are the magnetic principles that keep you aligned with purpose, integrity, and continuous improvement — even when the way forward isn’t easy.”
Drawing directly from the Toyota Way and the Harada Method, the hosts show how every leader can simplify their culture into five key principles that guide behaviors and decisions every day. These are values that transcend industry boundaries and build a system of respect and accountability.
💠 The Five Amazing True North Values
1️⃣ Respect for People
Every individual has dignity, a voice, and worth. Respect for people is not just listening — it is creating an environment where ideas are safe to share and leaders act with empathy and integrity.
“Protect your people and they’ll protect your mission.”
2️⃣ Continuous Improvement (Kaizen Mind)
Improvement never ends. From the factory floor to the boardroom, leaders should observe, measure, and experiment — the true spirit of Kaizen. Tom and George emphasize that this value translates curiosity into progress and keeps the organization moving forward one small step at a time.
3️⃣ Accountability & Integrity
Leadership is action, not position. True North leadership demands one mirror rule: if the organization falters, look at yourself. Accountability builds trust. Alan Mulally’s turnaround of Ford is an example — transparency and trust replaced fear and excuses.
4️⃣ Respect for Time
One of George’s personal values, this reminds leaders that time is a shared resource and an act of respect. Start every meeting with a clear purpose and desired outcome. Eliminate waste by doing only what adds value to the organization and its people.
5️⃣ Go to the Gemba (See Reality)
Great leaders observe before speaking. They go to where work happens, listen deeply, and learn from those closest to the process. Shingeo Shingo’s advice — “small mouth, big eyes, big ears” — reminds us that leadership starts with the courage to see and understand the truth.
“When leaders walk the floor with open eyes and open hearts, they naturally create a culture of trust and learning.”
Implementing Your Own True North Framework
- Define your values clearly and write them in present tense (“We create”, “We serve”).
- Keep them few, memorable, and connected to daily behavior.
- Translate them into languages your people understand — make them inclusive and universal.
- Lift fear — create a safe environment where truth can be spoken and acted upon.
- Align mission and vision around these values to build your company’s Magnetic North.
The hosts stress that these five values aren’t a checklist — they’re a leadership lifestyle. When leaders model these behaviors consistently, the organization builds trust, focus, and resilience that can withstand any storm.
Join Dr. Tom Lawless and George Trachilis next week for “The Leadership Trap” — a conversation about how leaders lose alignment and how to get back on course by anchoring to these 5 Amazing True North Values.
🎧 Join Live at LeadershipX.tv