What Got You Here Won’t Get You There
Marshall Goldsmith’s What Got You Here Won’t Get You There is a pleasant surprise, loaded with valuable purposeful growth and personal development information from an unexpected source; but you may have to look behind the book’s theme to find it.
What Got You Here Won’t Get You There is a book by an executive coach filled with stories of his success coaching top executives–CEO’s earning seven figures–to be even more successful. Goldsmith hints at times that these executives are just regular people; therefore, his tips and interventions may apply, by inference, to the rest of us.
Despite his emphasis on big contracts, bigger salaries, and the heady atmosphere of the top levels of corporations, What Got You Here Won’t Get You There should be on your reading list. (Of course, if you’re a high level CEO, this is a book for you and I heartily recommend it. I just didn’t think you’d be reading my blog.)
Goldsmith’s theme is that the only thing limiting top executives from further success (aside from the occasional ethical error) is a flaw or two in interpersonal behaviors. The twenty behavioral flaws he identifies hit home–big time. I identified with more than I care to admit. So…
If you’re a person looking to grow, courageous enough to face the reality of behavioral blind spots that are limiting your relationships, your happiness, and your work/professional success, his list of twenty is an excellent place to start.
For example, Goldsmith’s list begins with the need to win at all costs. Do you habitually debate/argue with your spouse, friends, and co-workers over insignificant topics? Is a need to win these “discussions” impacting these relationships? It might be.
The beauty of Goldsmith’s book is not just the list of twenty, but the simple, common-sense, do-it-yourself interventions that we can use to identify our behavioral blind spots and correct them.
For example, don’t assume your spouse, child, co-worker, or employee is satisfied with their relationship with you. Ask. Goldsmith suggests asking with this question, “How can I do better?” If this question requires further clarification, simply indicate you’re interested in improving the relationship and want their opinion and suggestions about how you can improve.
After the person picks themselves up off the floor (a sure sign the relationship isn’t ideal) simply say thank you. Don’t judge the suggestion, don’t argue about it, and certainly don’t criticize it. Just say thank you.
There’s more valuable advice: for example, how to follow up, the need to keep a focus on improvement, incentives to improve, observing silent feedback, listening effectively, and more.
Pick up your copy of What Got You Here Won’t Get You There and use it to guide your purposeful growth and development.
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