Marshall Goldsmith
“Fate is the hand of cards we’ve been dealt. Choice is how we play the hand.” - Marshall Goldsmith
Marshall Goldsmith is an internationally renowned executive coach, leadership thinker, and bestselling author, often recognised for his unique approach to personal and professional development. Born on March 20, 1949, in Valley Station, Kentucky, Goldsmith's journey into coaching began after a successful career in business, where he initially worked as a consultant for various large corporations.
Goldsmith's coaching philosophy is centred around the concept of behavioural change, emphasising that personal growth and leadership effectiveness hinge on the ability to change one's behaviour. His most famous work, "What Got You Here Won't Get You There," published in 2007, encapsulates this idea. The book has sold over a million copies and outlines 20 habits that can hold leaders back, along with practical advice on how to overcome them. It advocates for humility, listening, and the importance of feedback in achieving personal and professional success.
Another significant contribution by Goldsmith is his development of the "Feedforward" process, which contrasts with traditional feedback. Instead of focusing on past mistakes, feedforward encourages individuals to identify behaviours they want to change and then seek suggestions for future improvement. This method promotes a proactive, positive approach to personal development, reducing the defensiveness often associated with criticism.
His other notable books include "Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts – Becoming the Person You Want to Be," where he discusses how external events can trigger behaviours, and "MOJO: How to Get It, How to Keep It, How to Get It Back if You Lose It," which explores how to maintain motivation and energy in both personal and professional life.
Goldsmith's impact extends beyond literature; he has been recognised as one of the Top Ten Business Thinkers by "Thinkers50" multiple times and was the first to be named the #1 Leadership Thinker globally in 2011. His approach has influenced countless leaders across various industries, making him a pivotal figure in modern leadership and personal development philosophy. His work continues to inspire a shift from traditional leadership models towards more adaptive, human-centric practices.
The Body Of Work
Marshall Goldsmith has made significant contributions to the fields of leadership, personal development, and executive coaching through his numerous books, articles, and speaking engagements. Here's an overview of some of his most notable works:
Books:
"What Got You Here Won't Get You There" (2007): Perhaps his most famous book, this work focuses on how certain behaviours that once contributed to success can become limiting factors as one ascends in leadership. It outlines 20 habits that can hold leaders back and provides methods to overcome them.
"MOJO: How to Get It, How to Keep It, How to Get It Back if You Lose It" (2009): This book explores the concept of "mojo" — the positive spirit towards what you are doing now. It discusses how to maintain or regain this motivation in both personal and professional life.
"Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts – Becoming the Person You Want to Be" (2015): Goldsmith delves into how external events and environments (triggers) can influence behaviour. The book offers strategies to recognise these triggers and manage them to foster positive change.
"The Earned Life: Lose Regret, Choose Fulfillment" (2022): Written with Mark Reiter, this book focuses on how to live a life that feels fulfilled by making active choices rather than reacting to external circumstances.
Other Notable Works:
"Succession: Are You Ready?": A book aimed at helping leaders plan for leadership succession, ensuring continuity and success for the organisation.
"Coaching for Leadership: The Practice of Leadership Coaching" (2000, co-authored with Laurence S. Lyons): This book is a practical guide for coaches, providing insights into how coaching can enhance leadership development.
Articles and Columns:
Goldsmith has contributed numerous articles to business publications like "Harvard Business Review" and "Businessweek." He also wrote a regular column for "Fast Company" titled "The Leadership Paradox."
Speaking and Teaching:
Apart from his written work, Goldsmith is a frequent speaker at corporate events, universities, and leadership conferences. He has been recognised by the Thinkers50 list multiple times, reflecting his influence in leadership thinking and coaching.
Marshall Goldsmith's work consistently emphasises the importance of behavioural change, feedback, and personal accountability in achieving both professional success and personal fulfilment. His approaches are grounded in practical, actionable advice, making his teachings widely applicable across various industries and roles.
Big Takeaways
Here are five significant takeaways from Marshall Goldsmith's teachings:
Behavioural Change is Essential for Leadership Growth:
Goldsmith's core message is that what made you successful in the past might not be what propels you forward. Leaders must be willing to adapt their behaviours, especially by shedding habits like the need to win too much, adding too much value, or making destructive comments.
The Power of Feedforward Over Feedback:
Instead of dwelling on past mistakes through feedback, Goldsmith advocates for "feedforward," where one focuses on suggestions for future improvement. This approach is less about criticism and more about envisioning and planning for better behaviour and outcomes.
Environmental Triggers Influence Behavior:
In "Triggers," Goldsmith explains how our environment can significantly impact our behaviour. Understanding and managing these triggers can lead to more consistent positive behaviours, enhancing both leadership and personal life.
Active Listening and Asking for Feedback:
He emphasises the importance of listening actively and asking for feedback rather than assuming one knows everything. This humility not only fosters personal growth but also builds stronger, more trusting team dynamics.
Success is About Choice, Not Chance:
In "The Earned Life," Goldsmith teaches that a fulfilling life comes from active choices rather than passive reactions to life's events. Leaders should strive to make decisions that align with their values and long-term goals, reducing regrets and increasing satisfaction.
These takeaways encapsulate Goldsmith's philosophy on how to achieve and maintain leadership excellence and personal fulfilment through conscious change and proactive engagement with life's challenges and opportunities.