The book “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” by Marshall Goldsmith explores the habits and behaviors that hold successful people back from reaching their full potential. Goldsmith, a renowned executive coach, identifies twenty common habits that hinder personal and professional growth, such as not listening, passing judgment, and making destructive comments. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and taking responsibility for one’s actions in order to make positive changes. The book provides practical strategies and techniques for overcoming these habits and becoming a more effective leader. Goldsmith also emphasizes the importance of seeking feedback and using it as a tool for personal development. Overall, the book aims to help successful individuals become even more successful by addressing the behaviors that may be holding them back.
About the Author:
Marshall Goldsmith is a renowned executive coach, leadership thinker, and author. He has been recognized as one of the top ten most influential business thinkers in the world by Thinkers50 and has been listed as one of the top five executive coaches by Forbes. Goldsmith has worked with numerous CEOs and executives from leading organizations, helping them achieve personal and professional growth.
In addition to “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There,” Goldsmith has written several other books on leadership and personal development, including “Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts—Becoming the Person You Want to Be,” “Mojo: How to Get It, How to Keep It, How to Get It Back If You Lose It,” and “Leadership is a Contact Sport: The ‘Follow-up Factor’ in Management Development.”
Goldsmith is also a highly sought-after speaker and has delivered keynote addresses and workshops at various conferences and events worldwide. He has served on the faculty of several prestigious business schools, including Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business and the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.
With his extensive experience and expertise in leadership development, Goldsmith continues to make a significant impact in the field of executive coaching and has helped countless individuals and organizations achieve success.
Publication Details:
The book “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful” was published in 2007. It was co-authored by Marshall Goldsmith and Mark Reiter. The book was published by Hyperion, an imprint of Hachette Book Group.
The edition of the book may vary depending on the specific publication, but the original edition was published in hardcover format. It has since been released in various formats, including paperback, e-book, and audiobook.
The book has received widespread acclaim and has been translated into multiple languages. It has been recognized as a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller, further solidifying its impact and popularity among readers.
Book’s Genre Overview:
The book “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” falls under the genre/category of self-help and business. It offers practical advice and strategies for personal and professional growth, specifically targeting successful individuals who want to further enhance their leadership skills and overcome behaviors that may be holding them back. The book combines elements of self-improvement, coaching, and business management to provide insights and tools for achieving greater success in one’s career and personal life.
Purpose and Thesis: What is the main argument or purpose of the book?
The main purpose of the book “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” is to help successful individuals become even more successful by addressing the habits and behaviors that may be hindering their growth. The book argues that while certain behaviors and strategies may have contributed to an individual’s success in the past, they may no longer be effective in reaching higher levels of achievement.
The thesis of the book is that in order to continue progressing and reaching new heights, individuals need to identify and change the behaviors that are holding them back. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, taking responsibility for one’s actions, and seeking feedback from others. The book provides practical strategies, techniques, and insights to help readers overcome common habits that hinder personal and professional growth, ultimately enabling them to become more effective leaders and achieve greater success.
Who should read?
The book “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” is primarily intended for professionals, particularly those in leadership positions or aspiring to leadership roles. It is targeted towards individuals who have already achieved a certain level of success in their careers but are looking to further enhance their leadership skills and overcome behaviors that may be holding them back.
While the book is focused on the business and professional context, its insights and strategies can be applicable to individuals in various fields and industries. It is also relevant for anyone interested in personal development and self-improvement, as it provides practical advice and techniques for overcoming common habits that hinder growth and success.
The book is written in a accessible and engaging manner, making it suitable for general readers who are interested in self-help, leadership, and personal growth. It combines real-life examples, anecdotes, and practical exercises to make the concepts and strategies relatable and applicable to a wide range of readers.
Overall Summary:
“What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” by Marshall Goldsmith is a self-help and business book that explores the habits and behaviors that hold successful people back from reaching their full potential. The book presents twenty common habits that hinder personal and professional growth, such as not listening, passing judgment, and making destructive comments.
Goldsmith emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and taking responsibility for one’s actions in order to make positive changes. He argues that successful individuals often rely on strategies and behaviors that have worked for them in the past, but these may no longer be effective in reaching higher levels of success. To overcome these limitations, Goldsmith encourages readers to seek feedback from others and use it as a tool for personal development.
The book provides practical strategies and techniques for overcoming these habits, such as apologizing, listening actively, and practicing gratitude. Goldsmith emphasizes the power of small changes and consistent effort in making significant improvements. He also highlights the importance of building relationships, collaborating with others, and being open to feedback.
Throughout the book, Goldsmith shares real-life examples and anecdotes from his experience as an executive coach, making the concepts relatable and applicable. He emphasizes the need for individuals to be proactive in their own growth and to continuously strive for improvement.
Overall, “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” offers valuable insights and practical advice for successful individuals who want to overcome their limitations and achieve even greater success. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, feedback, and personal responsibility in the journey towards personal and professional growth.
Key Concepts and Terminology:
The book “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” does not introduce any specialist terms or concepts that are central to its content. Instead, it focuses on common habits and behaviors that hinder personal and professional growth, such as not listening, passing judgment, and making destructive comments. The book emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, taking responsibility for one’s actions, seeking feedback, and making small changes to overcome these habits. The concepts presented in the book are accessible and relatable, making it suitable for a wide range of readers.
Case Studies or Examples:
The book “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” includes various case studies and examples to illustrate its concepts and provide real-life context. Here are a few examples:
1. The story of the two monks: The book opens with a story about two monks crossing a stream. One monk carries a woman across the stream, which goes against their rules. The other monk scolds him for breaking the rules. The sleepy monk, however, explains that he only carried the woman across the stream, while the other monk carried her in his mind all the way back to the monastery. This story highlights the importance of letting go of the past and focusing on the future.
2. Harlan, the division chief: The book shares the story of Harlan, a division chief at a major manufacturing company. Harlan is considered a great leader by his direct reports, but his CEO wants him to focus more on providing leadership for the entire company. Through the coaching process, Harlan quickly embraces the need for change and achieves significant improvement in a short amount of time. This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of the author’s methods in helping individuals make positive changes.
3. Marshall Goldsmith’s personal experience: The author shares his own experience of struggling with making destructive comments about others. He describes how he implemented a policy in his consultancy where his staff would receive $10 each time they caught him making a destructive comment. This personal example highlights the importance of self-awareness, accountability, and the willingness to change one’s behavior.
These case studies and examples help to illustrate the concepts and strategies presented in the book, making them more relatable and applicable to readers’ own experiences.
Critical Analysis: Insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the book’s arguments or viewpoints
The book “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” by Marshall Goldsmith presents valuable insights and practical strategies for personal and professional growth. Here is a critical analysis of the book’s arguments and viewpoints:
Strengths:
1. Practical advice: The book offers practical strategies and techniques that readers can apply to their own lives and careers. The author provides actionable steps for overcoming common habits that hinder success, such as apologizing, listening actively, and seeking feedback.
2. Real-life examples: The use of real-life examples and case studies helps to illustrate the concepts and make them relatable. Readers can see how the strategies have been applied in various situations, which enhances the book’s credibility and applicability.
3. Emphasis on self-awareness and personal responsibility: The book highlights the importance of self-awareness and taking responsibility for one’s actions. It encourages readers to reflect on their own behaviors and make conscious efforts to change and improve.
Weaknesses:
1. Lack of depth in certain areas: While the book provides a good overview of the habits that hold people back, some readers may find that certain topics are not explored in sufficient depth. The book could benefit from more detailed explanations and practical examples in certain areas.
2. Limited focus on systemic issues: The book primarily focuses on individual behaviors and habits, but it does not delve deeply into systemic issues that may contribute to those behaviors. It could have explored how organizational culture, structures, and incentives impact individual behavior and hinder personal growth.
3. Overemphasis on success and achievement: The book’s primary focus is on achieving greater success and becoming more successful. While this may resonate with some readers, others may find that it places too much emphasis on external measures of success and does not sufficiently address personal fulfillment and well-being.
Overall, “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” offers valuable insights and practical strategies for personal and professional growth. While it has its strengths, such as practical advice and real-life examples, it could benefit from deeper exploration of certain topics and a broader perspective on systemic issues.
FAQ Section:
1. Q: What is the main message of “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There”?
A: The main message is that the behaviors and strategies that have led to success in the past may not be sufficient for continued growth and success. Individuals need to identify and change the habits that are holding them back.
2. Q: How can I identify the habits that are hindering my success?
A: The book suggests seeking feedback from others, such as colleagues, friends, and family, to gain insights into your blind spots and areas for improvement.
3. Q: Can I change my habits and behaviors even if I’ve been successful so far?
A: Yes, the book emphasizes that change is possible at any stage of success. It requires self-awareness, commitment, and consistent effort to overcome ingrained habits.
4. Q: How can I effectively apologize for past mistakes or behaviors?
A: The book recommends a sincere and specific apology, taking responsibility for your actions, and making a commitment to change.
5. Q: How can I become a better listener?
A: The book suggests active listening techniques, such as maintaining eye contact, asking clarifying questions, and avoiding interrupting or judging others.
6. Q: How can I handle criticism and feedback constructively?
A: The book advises being open-minded, refraining from becoming defensive, and using feedback as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
7. Q: How can I build better relationships with colleagues and team members?
A: The book emphasizes the importance of empathy, respect, and collaboration. It suggests actively seeking to understand others’ perspectives and fostering a supportive work environment.
8. Q: How can I overcome the habit of passing judgment on others?
A: The book recommends practicing empathy, suspending judgment, and focusing on understanding others’ motivations and perspectives.
9. Q: How can I become more self-aware?
A: The book suggests self-reflection, seeking feedback from others, and regularly assessing your own behaviors and their impact on others.
10. Q: How can I break the habit of making destructive comments?
A: The book suggests implementing a system of accountability, such as having someone point out when you make such comments, and actively working to replace negative comments with positive ones.
11. Q: Can I change my behavior without external help or coaching?
A: While external help can be beneficial, the book emphasizes that change ultimately comes from within. It provides self-coaching techniques and exercises to facilitate personal growth.
12. Q: How long does it take to change a habit?
A: The book emphasizes that changing habits takes time and consistent effort. It varies for each individual and depends on the complexity of the habit.
13. Q: How can I maintain motivation and momentum for change?
A: The book suggests setting clear goals, tracking progress, celebrating small wins, and surrounding yourself with a supportive network to stay motivated.
14. Q: Can these strategies be applied to personal relationships outside of work?
A: Yes, the strategies presented in the book can be applied to personal relationships as well. The principles of self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication are universal.
15. Q: How can I handle resistance or pushback from others when I’m trying to change?
A: The book advises being patient, understanding that change can be uncomfortable for others, and focusing on leading by example rather than forcing change upon others.
16. Q: Can these strategies be applied to team dynamics and organizational culture?
A: Yes, the book provides insights on improving team dynamics and fostering a positive organizational culture. It emphasizes the role of leaders in setting the tone and modeling desired behaviors.
17. Q: How can I effectively give feedback to others without causing defensiveness?
A: The book suggests using a constructive and specific approach, focusing on behaviors rather than personal attacks, and offering suggestions for improvement.
18. Q: How can I balance the need for change with staying true to my authentic self?
A: The book emphasizes that change does not mean compromising your values or authenticity. It encourages aligning personal growth with your core values and strengths.
19. Q: Can these strategies be applied to different industries and professions?
A: Yes, the strategies presented in the book are applicable across industries and professions. The focus is on personal and professional growth, which is relevant to individuals in various contexts.
20. Q: How can I sustain the changes I make in the long term?
A: The book suggests creating systems and routines that support the desired changes, regularly reassessing progress, and seeking ongoing feedback to maintain accountability.
Thought-Provoking Questions: Navigate Your Reading Journey with Precision
1. How have the concepts and strategies presented in the book resonated with your own experiences and observations in your personal and professional life?
2. Which of the twenty habits discussed in the book do you find most challenging to overcome? Why?
3. Reflecting on the case studies and examples provided in the book, can you think of any similar situations or experiences you have encountered? How did you handle them, and what could you have done differently?
4. The book emphasizes the importance of seeking feedback from others. How comfortable are you with receiving feedback, and how do you typically respond to it?
5. In your opinion, how does self-awareness contribute to personal and professional growth? Share an example of a time when increased self-awareness led to positive changes in your behavior or mindset.
6. The author suggests that change requires consistent effort and small steps. How do you approach making changes in your own life? What strategies have worked for you in the past?
7. Discuss the concept of “what got you here won’t get you there.” Can you think of any personal or professional situations where this has been true for you or someone you know?
8. The book emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships and collaboration. How do you foster positive relationships in your personal and professional life? Share any strategies or experiences.
9. How do you handle criticism or feedback? Are there any specific techniques or approaches mentioned in the book that you find helpful in managing feedback effectively?
10. The book discusses the impact of destructive comments and the importance of refraining from making them. Can you recall a time when you witnessed or experienced the negative effects of destructive comments? How could the situation have been handled differently?
11. Reflecting on the strategies presented in the book, which ones do you find most practical and applicable to your own life? How do you plan to incorporate them into your daily routine?
12. The book emphasizes the role of leaders in setting the tone and modeling desired behaviors. How can leaders effectively implement the strategies discussed in the book to create a positive and inclusive work environment?
13. Discuss the concept of accountability and its role in personal and professional growth. How do you hold yourself accountable for your own actions and behaviors?
14. How do you balance the need for change and personal growth with staying true to your authentic self? Share any experiences or insights you have on this topic.
15. The book discusses the importance of active listening. How can active listening enhance communication and relationships in both personal and professional settings? Share any examples or experiences.
16. Reflecting on the book’s content, what are some potential challenges or obstacles you foresee in implementing the strategies and making lasting changes in your own life?
17. How can the principles and strategies presented in the book be applied to team dynamics and organizational culture? Share any ideas or experiences related to fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
18. Discuss the concept of feedback as a tool for personal growth. How can individuals create a culture of feedback within their personal and professional relationships?
19. The book emphasizes the power of small changes and consistent effort. Share any examples from your own life where small changes have had a significant impact on your personal or professional growth.
20. Reflecting on the book as a whole, what are some key takeaways or lessons that you will carry forward in your personal and professional journey?
Check your knowledge about the book
1. What is the main message of the book “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There”?
a) Success is solely determined by past achievements.
b) Personal growth and success require identifying and changing habits that hinder progress.
c) Success is dependent on external factors beyond our control.
d) Changing habits is unnecessary for continued success.
Answer: b) Personal growth and success require identifying and changing habits that hinder progress.
2. What is the importance of self-awareness in personal and professional growth?
a) Self-awareness is not necessary for growth.
b) Self-awareness helps in blaming others for personal shortcomings.
c) Self-awareness allows individuals to identify their strengths and weaknesses.
d) Self-awareness hinders progress by creating self-doubt.
Answer: c) Self-awareness allows individuals to identify their strengths and weaknesses.
3. How can individuals overcome destructive comments?
a) By avoiding all forms of communication.
b) By making destructive comments in private.
c) By implementing a system of accountability and actively working to replace negative comments with positive ones.
d) By ignoring the impact of their comments on others.
Answer: c) By implementing a system of accountability and actively working to replace negative comments with positive ones.
4. What is the role of feedback in personal development?
a) Feedback is irrelevant and should be ignored.
b) Feedback helps individuals understand their blind spots and areas for improvement.
c) Feedback is only useful when it aligns with one’s own beliefs.
d) Feedback is solely meant for criticizing others.
Answer: b) Feedback helps individuals understand their blind spots and areas for improvement.
5. How can individuals become better listeners?
a) By interrupting others and dominating conversations.
b) By avoiding eye contact and showing disinterest.
c) By actively listening, maintaining eye contact, and asking clarifying questions.
d) By pretending to listen while multitasking.
Answer: c) By actively listening, maintaining eye contact, and asking clarifying questions.
6. What is the importance of accountability in personal growth?
a) Accountability is unnecessary and hinders progress.
b) Accountability helps individuals avoid taking responsibility for their actions.
c) Accountability ensures individuals stay committed to making positive changes.
d) Accountability is solely the responsibility of others.
Answer: c) Accountability ensures individuals stay committed to making positive changes.
Comparison With Other Works:
In comparison to other works in the field of personal development and leadership, “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” by Marshall Goldsmith stands out for its practical approach and emphasis on specific habits and behaviors that hinder success. While many self-help books provide general advice, Goldsmith’s book delves into the specific habits that successful individuals often struggle with and offers actionable strategies for overcoming them.
When compared to other works by Marshall Goldsmith, such as “Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts—Becoming the Person You Want to Be” and “Mojo: How to Get It, How to Keep It, How to Get It Back If You Lose It,” “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” focuses more on the specific habits and behaviors that hold individuals back from reaching their full potential. It provides a clear framework for identifying and changing these habits, making it a practical guide for personal and professional growth.
While other books in the field may cover similar topics, Goldsmith’s approach stands out for its emphasis on self-awareness, accountability, and the power of small changes. The book combines real-life examples, case studies, and practical exercises to make the concepts relatable and applicable to readers’ own experiences.
Overall, “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” distinguishes itself by its focus on specific habits, practical strategies, and the author’s expertise as an executive coach. It offers a unique perspective on personal and professional growth, making it a valuable resource for individuals seeking to overcome their limitations and achieve greater success.
Quotes from the Book:
1. “When it comes to our flawed past, leave it at the stream. To change, you need to be sharing ideas for the future.”
2. “Look at the road, not the wall.”
3. “No matter how fervently you apologize—and even if the apology is accepted—the comment lingers in the memory.”
4. “Destructive comments are an easy habit to fall into, especially among people who habitually rely on candor as an effective management tool.”
5. “People permit themselves to issue destructive comments under the excuse that they are true. The fact that a destructive comment is true is irrelevant.”
6. “We spend a lot of time teaching leaders what to do. We don’t spend enough time teaching leaders what to stop.”
7. “Half the leaders I have met don’t need to learn what to do. They need to learn what to stop.”
8. “Avoiding mistakes is one of those unseen, unheralded achievements that are not allowed to take up our time and thought.”
9. “Avoiding a bad deal can affect the bottom line more significantly than scoring a big sale.”
10. “Change is possible at any stage of success. It requires self-awareness, commitment, and consistent effort to overcome ingrained habits.”
Do’s and Don’ts:
Do’s:
1. Do seek feedback from others to gain insights into your blind spots and areas for improvement.
2. Do take responsibility for your actions and behaviors.
3. Do actively listen to others, maintain eye contact, and ask clarifying questions.
4. Do apologize sincerely and specifically when necessary.
5. Do focus on building strong relationships and collaboration.
6. Do practice empathy and suspend judgment of others.
7. Do implement a system of accountability to actively work on replacing negative comments with positive ones.
8. Do embrace self-awareness and regularly assess your own behaviors and their impact on others.
9. Do make small changes consistently to create lasting improvements.
10. Do set clear goals, track progress, and celebrate small wins to stay motivated.
Don’ts:
1. Don’t ignore or dismiss feedback from others.
2. Don’t make destructive comments about others, even if they are true.
3. Don’t interrupt or dominate conversations; instead, actively listen.
4. Don’t avoid apologizing or taking responsibility for your actions.
5. Don’t neglect building relationships and fostering collaboration.
6. Don’t pass judgment on others without understanding their perspectives.
7. Don’t engage in destructive comments, whether in private or public.
8. Don’t shy away from self-reflection and self-awareness.
9. Don’t expect instant change; consistent effort is necessary.
10. Don’t lose sight of your goals and progress; maintain accountability and motivation.
These do’s and don’ts summarize the key practical advice from the book, providing actionable guidance for personal and professional growth. They highlight the importance of self-awareness, accountability, effective communication, and building positive relationships.
In-the-Field Applications: Examples of how the book’s content is being applied in practical, real-world settings
The content of “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” has been applied in various practical, real-world settings. Here are a few examples:
1. Leadership Development Programs: Many organizations have incorporated the book’s concepts into their leadership development programs. They use the book as a resource to help leaders identify and overcome behaviors that may hinder their effectiveness. The strategies and techniques presented in the book are integrated into workshops, coaching sessions, and training programs to support leaders in their personal and professional growth.
2. Executive Coaching: Executive coaches often utilize the principles from the book when working with their clients. They help leaders identify specific habits and behaviors that may be holding them back and guide them in implementing the strategies outlined in the book. Coaches provide feedback, accountability, and support to facilitate behavior change and enhance leadership effectiveness.
3. Team Building and Collaboration: The book’s emphasis on building strong relationships and collaboration has been applied in team-building initiatives. Organizations use the principles from the book to foster a culture of trust, open communication, and empathy within teams. By encouraging active listening, suspending judgment, and practicing empathy, teams can improve their collaboration and overall performance.
4. Performance Management and Feedback: The book’s focus on seeking feedback and using it as a tool for personal development has influenced performance management practices in some organizations. They have implemented feedback systems and processes that encourage regular feedback exchanges between managers and employees. This helps individuals gain insights into their blind spots, make necessary improvements, and foster a culture of continuous growth.
5. Personal Development and Self-Coaching: Individuals have applied the book’s content in their personal lives for self-improvement. They use the strategies and techniques outlined in the book to identify and change their own habits and behaviors that may hinder their success. By practicing self-awareness, seeking feedback from trusted sources, and implementing small changes, individuals can make significant progress in their personal and professional growth.
These are just a few examples of how the book’s content is being applied in practical, real-world settings. The principles and strategies presented in the book have proven to be valuable resources for individuals, teams, and organizations seeking to enhance their effectiveness and achieve greater success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” by Marshall Goldsmith is a valuable resource for individuals seeking to overcome the habits and behaviors that may be hindering their personal and professional growth. The book emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, accountability, and seeking feedback from others. It provides practical strategies and techniques for making positive changes and becoming more effective leaders.
Through real-life examples, case studies, and practical exercises, the book offers relatable insights and actionable advice. It highlights the power of small changes, the impact of destructive comments, and the significance of building strong relationships and collaboration.
While the book has its strengths, such as practical advice and real-world applications, it could benefit from deeper exploration of certain topics and a broader perspective on systemic issues. However, overall, “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” serves as a valuable guide for individuals looking to overcome their limitations and achieve greater success.
By implementing the book’s principles and strategies, individuals can enhance their self-awareness, improve their communication and relationships, and ultimately, reach new levels of personal and professional growth.
What to read next?
If you enjoyed “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” and are looking for similar books to read next, here are a few recommendations:
1. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear: This book explores the power of small habits and how they can lead to significant personal and professional growth. It provides practical strategies for building and breaking habits to achieve long-term success.
2. “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle: This book delves into the importance of living in the present moment and cultivating mindfulness. It offers insights and practices to help individuals let go of past limitations and embrace the power of the present.
3. “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck: This book explores the concept of mindset and how it influences our beliefs, attitudes, and ultimately, our success. It discusses the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset and provides strategies for cultivating a growth mindset for personal and professional development.
4. “Emotional Intelligence” by Daniel Goleman: This book explores the concept of emotional intelligence and its impact on personal and professional success. It provides insights into understanding and managing emotions, building strong relationships, and enhancing overall emotional well-being.
5. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey: This classic self-help book presents seven habits that can transform individuals’ personal and professional lives. It offers practical advice and principles for personal growth, effective communication, and achieving success with integrity.
These recommendations cover a range of topics related to personal growth, mindset, emotional intelligence, and effective habits. Each book offers valuable insights and practical strategies for further enhancing your personal and professional development.