Introduction
Success is often built on a set of skills and habits, but what if those same traits start holding you back? What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith explores how successful professionals can refine their leadership style to reach the next level.
In this blog, I’ll summarize key takeaways from What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There, share my personal experiences as a startup founder, and provide insights on how leaders can break through limitations to achieve even greater success.
Summary of the Book
Marshall Goldsmith highlights the common behaviors that prevent already successful individuals from reaching their full leadership potential. The book covers:
- The paradox of success: How previous achievements can become obstacles.
- Twenty key habits that hold leaders back.
- The importance of feedback and behavioral change.
- Strategies for developing better people skills.
- Practical steps to achieve lasting transformation.
By addressing these barriers, Goldsmith helps leaders shift their mindset and develop stronger interpersonal skills that lead to sustained success.
Key Takeaways
- Success Can Breed Complacency
The skills that got you to a leadership position won’t necessarily help you thrive in it. A willingness to adapt and refine behaviors is essential for continued success.
- The Power of Feedback and Self-Awareness
Many successful professionals struggle to recognize their own shortcomings. Seeking feedback from peers and employees provides valuable insights into areas for improvement.
- Ditching Bad Habits That Hold You Back
Goldsmith identifies 20 behaviors that hinder leadership growth, such as:
- Winning too much: Always needing to be right.
- Adding too much value: Over-explaining and micromanaging.
- Failing to listen: Not allowing others to contribute meaningfully.
- Passing judgment: Criticizing instead of encouraging.
- Neglecting to express gratitude: Overlooking the importance of appreciation.
- Leadership is About Influence, Not Authority
True leadership is about building trust and influence rather than exercising control. The ability to inspire and empower others drives long-term success.
- Lasting Change Requires Commitment
Improvement doesn’t happen overnight. Leaders must consistently practice self-awareness and work towards behavioral change to see results.
My Personal Experience as a Startup Founder
Overcoming the ‘Winning Too Much’ Trap
As a founder, I used to believe that having the best idea in the room meant my startup would succeed. However, I soon realized that constantly pushing my opinions wasn’t fostering collaboration. Learning to step back and listen to my team’s input led to better decisions and a more engaged workforce.
The Value of Constructive Feedback
Initially, I struggled with receiving feedback, viewing it as criticism. However, after implementing Goldsmith’s strategies, I began actively seeking feedback from my employees. This helped me identify blind spots in my leadership style and improve communication.
Learning to Let Go and Delegate
One of my biggest challenges was trusting my team to take ownership of projects. Goldsmith’s insight on adding too much value made me realize that my tendency to micromanage was stifling creativity. Once I gave my team the freedom to execute their ideas, productivity and innovation increased.
Expressing Gratitude More Often
In the rush of scaling a startup, I often neglected to appreciate my team’s efforts. Implementing small but meaningful gestures of gratitude improved morale and strengthened our company culture.
Continuous Improvement as a Leadership Strategy
Understanding that growth is an ongoing process has changed my leadership approach. Instead of viewing success as a destination, I now see it as a journey of continuous learning and adaptation.
Conclusion
What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There is a must-read for entrepreneurs, executives, and leaders who want to break through self-imposed barriers and refine their leadership skills. By identifying and addressing counterproductive behaviors, you can build stronger relationships, foster innovation, and achieve lasting success.
If you’re ready to elevate your leadership, start by evaluating your habits and making small but meaningful changes today.
Conclusion