What Got You Here Won't Get You There

How Successful People Become Even More Successful!

Marshall Goldsmith

15 min read
48s intro

Brief summary

The very habits that make you successful can become blind spots that hold you back. This book explains why real growth for leaders isn't about learning new skills, but about stopping the subtle, counterproductive behaviors that alienate others.

Who it's for

This is for successful leaders and high-achievers who have hit a plateau and want to understand how their own behaviors might be limiting their effectiveness.

What Got You Here Won't Get You There

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Why Successful Leaders Need to Change

High achievers often reach a plateau where the habits that brought them success begin to limit their future growth. Marshall Goldsmith serves as a specialized guide for these individuals, focusing on the subtle behaviors that separate good leaders from truly great ones. When he first worked with the Girl Scouts, he volunteered to coach the CEO first to show that growth starts at the top. This transformation begins with the realization that even the most accomplished professionals have room to improve.

The core of this approach is simplicity and candor. Instead of getting bogged down in complex theories, the focus remains on practical insights that produce measurable results. He acts as a "diamond cutter," identifying the rough edges of a leader’s personality and polishing them until their brilliance shows through. This process requires a deep commitment to excellence and a willingness to face uncomfortable truths in a supportive environment.

Change at the top creates a powerful ripple effect throughout an entire organization. When a leader improves their ability to inspire and build lasting relationships, team performance naturally follows. This growth isn't limited to the boardroom; it often transforms personal lives as well. By focusing on future potential rather than past mistakes, leaders become better partners and parents while driving their companies toward greater success.

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About the author

Marshall Goldsmith

Marshall Goldsmith is a world-renowned executive coach and author known for his pioneering work in leadership and behavioral change. He has coached over 200 major CEOs and is recognized as a leading expert on helping successful leaders achieve positive, lasting change in behavior for themselves and their teams. Goldsmith's contributions to the field include developing the "Stakeholder Centered Coaching" approach and popularizing tools like 360-degree feedback, which have become standard practices in executive development.

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