“What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” by Marshall Goldsmith, is a classic in leadership and personal development circles. Here’s a concise summary and some key takeaways:
Book Summary
Marshall Goldsmith’s central thesis is simple yet profound: the habits and skills that made you successful up to now may actually be the very things holding you back from reaching the next level. Especially for already successful people (managers, executives, high achievers), subtle interpersonal flaws and old behaviors can sabotage further progress.
Goldsmith identifies 20 common workplace habits that can stall your career, then offers strategies for overcoming them. The book focuses on behavioral change, feedback, and personal accountability.
Key Takeaways
1. Success Can Breed Blind Spots
- What made you successful earlier (ambition, drive, assertiveness) may become obstacles as you try to advance further (because they can turn into stubbornness, arrogance, or failure to listen).
2. The 20 Bad Habits
- Goldsmith outlines 20 common bad habits—such as the need to win too much, adding too much value, passing judgment, making excuses, not listening, failing to give recognition, etc.
- Many are minor but highly damaging, especially at senior levels.
3. Feedforward, Not Feedback
- Instead of obsessing over past mistakes, focus on future-oriented suggestions (“feedforward”) that are actionable and growth-focused.
4. The Importance of Apology and Thank You
- Sincere apologies and gratitude are simple, powerful ways to repair and improve professional relationships.
5. Changing Behavior is Key
- Lasting improvement comes from changing behavior, not just having good intentions or technical competence.
6. Ask for Help
- Enlist colleagues’ feedback and support. It’s not a solo journey—others’ perspectives are crucial for self-awareness and change.
7. Stop Winning at All Costs
- The urge to “win” (in arguments, meetings, or discussions) can alienate others and undermine teamwork.
8. Let Go of the Need to be Right
- Sometimes, being right is less important than being effective and building relationships.
9. Pick One Thing at a Time
- Focus on improving one behavior at a time for real, sustainable change.
10. Follow Up and Measure Progress
- Regularly check in on your progress and ask for continued feedback to stay accountable.
Top 5 Workplace Habits to Break (from Goldsmith’s List)
- Winning Too Much: The need to win at all costs.
- Adding Too Much Value: The desire to add your two cents to every discussion, even when unnecessary.
- Passing Judgment: The need to rate others and impose your standards.
- Failing to Give Proper Recognition: Not acknowledging others’ contributions.
- Not Listening: Failing to be present and attentive.
Practical Application
- Identify which of the 20 habits you fall into.
- Seek honest feedback from people you trust.
- Work on one habit at a time, using Goldsmith’s strategies.
- Practice humility—acknowledge when you’re wrong and thank those who help you improve.
