What Got you Here Won’t Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful!

In this insightful read aimed at successful professionals seeking to elevate their careers, Goldsmith, a respected executive coach, explores how the very traits and habits that have led individuals to their current success can sometimes become obstacles to further achievement.

He starts by pinpointing 20 prevalent habits that can impede personal and professional progress. These include behaviors like needing to be right, making excuses, avoiding apologies, and failing to listen. Goldsmith contends that while these actions may seem trivial, they can pose significant challenges in leadership and career development.

A core theme of the book is the idea that past achievements can foster complacency and an unwillingness to adapt. Goldsmith highlights that to reach new levels, professionals must confront and modify these ingrained behaviours. A core strategy for personal change is asking for and acting on feedback. This external information can reveal blind spots and improve self-awareness. The key challenge is to accept this constructive criticism and make positive changes.

Another crucial point is the importance of accountability. Goldsmith suggests that collaborating with a coach or mentor can be immensely advantageous for making lasting changes. Such partners offer guidance, support, and help individuals remain accountable for their growth.

Goldsmith’s recommendations are grounded in practical exercises and actionable steps. He provides tools and techniques to address our bad habits, such as making more sincere apologies, giving more credit to others, and actively listening. These simple strategies are very effective in improving leadership skills. These mindset shifts are crucial for overcoming the limitations that come with past success.

This book provides a compelling and practical roadmap for professionals who want to advance further in their careers. It is equally useful a senior executive moving to a new team as it is for a brand new new people manager. By addressing common behavioural pitfalls and emphasizing the importance of feedback, accountability, and continuous improvement, Goldsmith provides a clear path for personal and professional growth.

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