Marshall Goldsmith’s What Got You Here Won't Get You There dives into the leadership pitfalls even the most successful individuals face when aiming for greater impact and influence. Goldsmith reveals the subtle yet crucial behaviors that hold us back and shows us how to let go of them to reach higher levels of success. The book is a remarkable guide for leaders who have achieved a measure of success but want to make a lasting difference, especially as they confront the realization that the skills and habits that propelled them to one stage in life may be the very things that keep them from advancing further.
About the Author
Marshall Goldsmith is a world-renowned executive coach, leadership thinker, and bestselling author. He has worked with high-achieving executives from Fortune 500 companies, government leaders, and top global organizations. Goldsmith’s work centers on helping leaders identify behaviors that limit their potential and reshape their approach to achieve greater success. He has authored or co-authored over 35 books, including Triggers and MOJO, with What Got You Here Won't Get You There among his most influential works, shedding light on the unique dynamics of leadership development.
Summary of What Got You Here Won't Get You There
The book begins with a premise that resonates with successful leaders: sometimes, our past achievements and the habits that led to them can be the very barriers to our next stage of success. Goldsmith outlines 20 self-sabotaging habits that commonly affect high-achievers—habits that may seem minor yet have a profound impact on relationships, decision-making, and leadership effectiveness. These are behaviors that, if left unchecked, can quietly undermine success.
The book is divided into four key sections, each with actionable insights:
Understanding the Habits That Hold You Back: Goldsmith outlines 20 common pitfalls—ranging from needing to always be right to failing to express gratitude—that are typical among successful people who want to elevate their leadership. He calls these "transactional flaws" because they subtly influence how others perceive us and impact the trust and respect we inspire.
Feedback as a Leadership Tool: Goldsmith stresses that feedback is crucial for overcoming blind spots. He teaches leaders how to seek honest feedback, even if it’s uncomfortable. By understanding how they’re perceived, leaders can pinpoint specific habits that hinder their influence and effectiveness.
The Power of Active Listening: Goldsmith emphasizes that listening actively and openly is transformative for leaders. Often, high-achievers focus more on sharing their knowledge than learning from others. Goldsmith argues that great leadership is rooted in humility and openness to the insights of others.
Committing to Change: The book closes with guidance on setting goals and committing to behavioral changes. Goldsmith introduces a unique follow-up system, where leaders are accountable for tracking their growth. By measuring progress and holding themselves accountable, leaders can embed new habits that drive sustainable success.
Key Takeaways on Leadership
1. Humility Is Vital in Leadership Success - Goldsmith challenges the idea that confidence should overshadow humility. Leaders who admit to mistakes, listen to feedback, and express gratitude create cultures of trust. By acknowledging that they don’t have all the answers, leaders inspire others to step up, contribute, and innovate.
2. Break the Need to Be Right - A subtle habit, but one that impacts relationships profoundly, is the leader’s tendency to assert their views over others’. Goldsmith points out that by valuing others’ opinions and avoiding unnecessary arguments, leaders foster an environment of collaboration, which is more powerful than being perceived as “right” in every interaction.
3. Value People Over Process - Goldsmith’s book reminds leaders that their behavior affects morale, loyalty, and productivity. Leaders must prioritize appreciation and acknowledgment, recognizing the effort behind the results. Leadership that values individuals over processes not only strengthens relationships but also boosts performance across the board.
4. The Importance of Saying Thank You - Expressing gratitude is one of the simplest, yet most impactful, ways to build rapport and respect. Leaders who consistently show appreciation—both in successes and setbacks—demonstrate that they value the journey as much as the outcome. Goldsmith highlights how a simple “thank you” can shift the dynamics in teams, making them more engaged and resilient.
5. Pursuing Continuous Self-Improvement - The book emphasizes that every leader has room for improvement, no matter how successful. Leaders who embrace a growth mindset are more adaptable, open to feedback, and willing to change. Goldsmith’s message: the pursuit of self-improvement is never complete, and leaders who commit to ongoing growth will stay relevant and respected.
Summary and Conclusion
What Got You Here Won't Get You There is a must-read for leaders who understand that success is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Goldsmith’s straightforward and insightful approach speaks directly to seasoned leaders facing the inevitable barriers that accompany growth. His candid insights help identify and overcome personal limitations, ultimately transforming how leaders approach their roles.
Goldsmith’s emphasis on humility, listening, and accountability makes his guidance applicable to leaders in any sector. The book is practical and immediately implementable, making it highly valuable for leaders ready to break old habits and embrace new practices for sustainable success.
Goldsmith’s perspective challenges leaders to reflect deeply on their behavior and consider the legacy they want to leave. Whether you’re a CEO or an emerging leader, What Got You Here Won't Get You There serves as a reminder that leadership is an evolving journey that requires continuous adaptation and self-awareness.
Supporting Quotes
Marshall Goldsmith, Author and Executive Coach: “What got you here won’t get you there.”
John C. Maxwell, Leadership Expert: “To grow, we must give up the things that no longer serve us.”
Jim Collins, Author of Good to Great: “Good is the enemy of great.”
Question:
What habits do you think could be holding you back from the next stage of success in your leadership journey?
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