How Community Feedback Transformed My New Book Cover and What It Taught Me About Leadership

In this episode, George Couros shares the surprising story behind choosing the cover for his upcoming book, Forward Together. After asking his community for help, he expected quick confirmation of his preferred choice. Instead, he received more than five hundred personal responses that shifted his thinking and changed the final design and took the time to respond to each one. 

George talks about how he used ChatGPT and a designer to generate ideas, why he chose direct email feedback instead of a form, and how the process helped him understand the power of listening and genuine connection. He explains how technology can support creativity and collaboration when it is used with intention, and how this experience helped him live the principles he teaches in his work. But the real value of technology is in how we connect with each other. Without that, the design might look nicer, but it loses it authenticity.

Listeners will gain insight into leadership, community building, and the value of staying open to ideas that challenge your assumptions. George also shares gratitude for the people who helped shape the project and the lessons he will carry into future work.

 

___________

 

 

👉 Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media using #InnovatorsMindset

 

🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com

 

🎙 Full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

 

Follow George Couros:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

 

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

 

📚 Books by George Couros:

The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

 

What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

 

Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

 

Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

 

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

 

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/