From a purely economic perspective, this may be among the most valuable books in print. If every executive followed the advice in this book, we wouldn't have more than 100 million Americans who are not engaged in their jobs and, as a result, productivity and innovation would soar.

In this book, uber-executive coach Marshall Goldsmith shares his insights about the most common habitual behaviors that prevent leaders from reaching their potential and how to overcome them. We all have these blind spots that others see but we don't. It's part of the human condition. In this book Marshall provides the best description I have ever seen of the most common blind spots. Marshall provides thorough explanations and illustrates his points with compelling anonymous examples from his work with high achievers. Reading this book is the next best thing to having Marshall as a coach.

If you do nothing else over the summer, pick up Marshall Goldsmith's simple yet consistently Marshall-esque and direct book, What Got You Here Won't Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful. I recently had a chance to meet Marshall at the Vistage International 50th anniversary conference. His unassuming presence completely disarms you with the fact that he is the personal coach to some of the Fortune 500's most elite CEOs.


Early on in his book, he references the most annoying interpersonal issues in the workplace today. We thought these might be a relevant reference point as many deter you from developing intentional, strategic, and thus quantifiable business relationships.

For example, he talks about the importance of knowing when to stop. Have you ever thought about the stupid things top people do that they need to stop doing now? Get out a notepad and instead of the usual "to do" list, start a "to stop" list.

Goldsmith points out that not all behaviors can be categorized as good or bad. Many are simply neutral. In 2008, if you choose to be nicer, for example, instead of creating a long list of positive actions such as complimenting people, saying please and thank you, listening more patiently, and treating them with verbal respect (often a daunting task), a simpler way that doesn't require much effort at all is to just stop being a jerk! You don't have to think of ways to be nicer, all you really have to do is nothing! When someone offers a less than stellar plan, don't criticize - just say nothing! If your decisions are challenged, don't argue or make excuses - just quietly consider it and keep your critiques to yourself.

Before fixing bad behavior, you first have to identify the most common faults. These are not flaws of skill, intelligence, or unchangeable personality, but often challenges in interpersonal and leadership behavior. Many of our flaws are transactional and performed one person against another.

The 20 Habits That Hold You Back from the Top

1. Winning too much. The need to win at all costs and in all situations even when wining doesn't really matter and is totally beside the point.
2. Adding too much value. The overwhelming desire to add our opinion to every discussion.
3. Passing judgment. The need to impose our standards on others.
4. Making destructive comments. Needless sarcasm and cutting remarks that we think make us sound sharp and witty.
5. Starting anything with "no, but or however." Seldom anything good comes after these and as negative qualifiers, they secretly say to everyone, "I am right and you are wrong."
6. Telling the world how smart we are. The need to show people we are smarter than they think we are.
7. Speaking when angry. Using emotional volatility as a management tool.
8. Negativity. "Let me explain why that won't work" is a need to share our negative thoughts even when we were not asked.
9. Withholding information. The refusal to share information in order to maintain control or an advantage over others.
10. Failing to give proper recognition. The inability to praise and reward.
11. Claiming credit that we don't deserve. The most annoying way to overestimate our contribution to any success.
12. Making excuses. The need to reposition our annoying behavior as a permanent fixture so people excuse us for it.
13. Clinging to the past. The need to deflect blame away from ourselves and onto events and people from our past.
14. Playing favorites. Failing to see that we are treating someone unfairly.
15. Refusing to express regret. The inability to take responsibility for our actions, admit we're wrong, or recognize how our actions affect others.
16. Not listening. The most passive aggressive form of disrespect of colleagues.
17. Failing to express gratitude. The most basic form of bad manners.
18. Punishing the messenger. The misguided need to attack the innocent who are usually only trying to help us.
19. Passing the buck. The need to blame everyone but ourselves.
20. An excessive need to be "me." Exalting our faults as virtues simply because they make us who we are.

Check yourself against the list. Though it is unlikely you are guilty of all of these annoying habits, you can probably narrow the list to 1-2 vital issues that will show you where to work on in 2008 and beyond.

Undoubtedly one of the best books I have read this year. The direct and powerful advice in this book will beat your expectations. Highly recommended.

Basically, it takes Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence Poeple" and tailors it to the arrogant, egotistical perspective of many of today's overpaid, underperforming, delusional CEO's.

In this book, the author makes some valid points that is applicable to anyone in the business community. The language seems geared more towards executive coaches rather than the business leaders themselves. Overall, this book contains some very good and practical information, however, it was a little bit too much common sense for me and hence the 4 stars instead of 5. For example, one action item states: List the 25 people who have helped you the most in your life. Now, write a thank-you note to each of them.

The book starts with "paradox of success" - the same behaviors that helped you succeed can now bring you down. It goes on to explain 21 bad habits and provides examples on how to correct them. It continues on to a 7-step procedure to cure a bad workplace habit. It is a good book which can help improve your leadership & day-to-day management skills.

Nutshell review - a decent book covering various aspects of how succesful people can sometimes torpedo their own success or limit their own (and others) growth potential. Too much case-study page filling but worth a read.

Excellent book for coaching adults in the workplace & life. Adults, especially already sucessful adults don't often think they need feedback. This gives specific ideas on how to discover what the right "thing" to work on is & what steps to take. You can apply this to yourself as well.

For those concerned with continued career growth this is a must read. Marshall Goldsmith has identified the often subtle (and some not so subtle) behaviors that even the most successful executives can exhibit. With 21 years of professional experience spanning 2 Fortune 100 companies, I can attest that I was inspired by this book and immediately sought in depth feedback from my direct reports and established an ongoing dialogue with my team to continually close the blind-spots and grow as a leader. Do yourself a favor. Get the book. Read it and be ready to change and grow as a leader.

I enjoyed reading this book and my employees enjoyed it as well. I was also very impressed with the delivery.

It's ironic -- this book is an example of its title. Goldsmith brags endlessly about the wealth and power of his clients, the size of his own fees, and how much more insightful he is than almost everyone else. The book would be much stronger if it had the carefully nuanced conclusions of a scholar. Instead, it has pronouncements from on high. These are meant to be accepted without question, seemingly because he claims to be a friend of the rich and famous. Maybe this kind of glib, elitist opinion-mongering could be overlooked in a brash youngster, but coming from a would-be elder statesman, it just undercuts his credibility. Which is exactly the point of the book.

To be fair, the book has useful ideas, such as its comprehensive list of "bad habits" that are more damaging at senior levels than at earlier stages of a career. He makes a convincing case that these career-damaging traits can't be changed by taking courses (or reading books?). He argues that change requires nudging by an experienced executive coach (and makes sure you know he is available ... if you have a six-figure budget).

No doubt, Goldsmith can enthrall a room full of worshipful students, as another review suggests, using his catchy one-liners and "trademark" outfits. He is a talented self-promoter. Still, we readers have a right to expect something more thoughtful and less opinionated if he wants to be treated as a truly top authority.

You might want to skim a borrowed copy before buying this. Better still, ask a friend who has read it to give you a brief summary, and maybe skip the book.

Marshall Goldsmith is a masterful leader, abundant in sharing his life experiences and lessons in leadership. His quirky sense of humor comes out in the book with a myriad of examples on how to apply the principles he espouses. It's a fast, fun read for all business book junkies!

The first time I saw this book was back in Burlington, ON, Canada in a bookstore called "Indigo". I was idling in the business section when the clever cover face of a person reaching up to grasp the next rung on a ladder caught my eye.

I picked the book off the shelf with interest and began to read the first page. After reading half of the first page I closed the book and promptly went to the cashier to buy it. It was just that simple. Within the first three paragraphs I knew that Marshall had some very important things to say that I needed to read.

Unassuming, witty, imaginative, and hilarious - are all words that accurately describe Marshall. If you take your time and read carefully, you may also discover that his writing carries a "dad-like" presence. Be prepared to gain a wealth of knowledge while being moved emotionally as Marshall respectfully discusses the lives of several influential people.

Read this book - you will learn that all people (no matter what their position) are human beings that face the constant challenge of behavioral modification and adjustment.

Matthew R. Polkinghorne
MGSM (Marshall Goldsmith School of Management) Graduate Student.
Alliant International University - San Diego Campus.

This is the most complete waste of time for anyone who wants to learn anything. It is so bad that I cannot even finish it!

This book is a "great gift" from Marshall Goldsmith to his reader. How so? In the Coda, he suggests this exercise:

"Imagine that you are 95 years old and ready to die." By then you (i.e. the reader) understand what is really important and what isn't, what matters and what doesn't. "What advice would this wise `old you' have for the `you' who is [receiving the advice]? Take your time and answer the question on two levels: personal advice and professional advice. Jot down a few words that capture what the old you would be saying to the younger you. Once you have written these words down, the rest is simple: Just do whatever you wrote down. Make it your resolution for the rest of the current year, and the next. You have just defined your `there.'"

Everything Goldsmith provides in this volume can help his readers to develop or reactivate what he aptly characterizes as "a built-in GPS mechanism" so that they will "be blessed with [both a map and] an internal compass that orients them automatically. They will [always] make the correct turn and end up where they intended via the most economical route...[because they possess] an exquisite sense of who they are, which translates into perfect pitch about how they come across to others."

It sounds easy, doesn't it? All you have to do is read this book and (like a magic carpet) it will get you from where you are now to where you want to be. On the contrary, for most people who read this book, the challenge is formidable. First, they must accept the fact that Pogo was right: "We have met the enemy and he is us." Then, they must focus on correcting those faults and breaking those habits that currently control their interpersonal behavior. And then they must focus each day, each moment, on avoiding those faults and habits. They cannot do it themselves. With all due respect to the value of Goldsmith's counsel, those who commit to this difficult process of self-improvement must seek the assistance of members of their family as well as associates in their workplace.

Goldsmith identifies twenty of the most common flaws, none of which is a flaw of skill, intelligence, or personality. (That's a key point). "What we're dealing with here are challenges of in interpersonal behavior, often leadership behavior. They are the egregious everyday annoyances that make your workplace more noxious than it needs to be. They don't happen in a vacuum. They are transactional flaws performed by one person against others." Throughout the narrative, Goldsmith cites dozens of real-world examples to illustrate key points but, for obvious reasons, changes the names of those involved. It should be noted that, for several decades, Goldsmith career has primarily involved providing executive coaching services to senior-level executives and he does so on a one-on-one basis. To the extent possible, he establishes the same relationship with each reader. To his credit, he has a clear sense of who he isn't (e.g. a judge of others' behavior) and what he doesn't do (e.g. define anyone else's "there"). As Goldsmith frequently acknowledges, it remains for each reader to determine which flaws are most detrimental to her or his interpersonal relationships. He also points out that many people are either unaware of their faults or unaware of the extent they are resented by others. Hence the importance of continuous feedback from family members and business associates.

The first portion of this review identifies the "there" to which the title refers. It is important to understand that you can get there only if you fully understand both what your "here" is and why. (It may not be where you think it is.) Read the book, then complete the exercise briefly described earlier so that you can obtain "wisdom" that you already possess. "Use that wisdom now. Don't look ahead. Look behind. Look back from your old age at the life you hope to live. Know that you need to be happy now, to enjoy your friends and family, to follow your dreams.

"You are here.
You can get there!
Let the journey begin."

This is one of the most down to earth, easy to read, and genuinely helpful business books I've read in many years. If you are upper management or even middle management looking to make that next move up, you owe it to yourself to read this engaging book.
Given this book by my boss, I thought "yea, why not". But now I have a couple lists of self cautions on the wall in my office where I can see them every time I'm on the phone or when someone is in my office to talk to me. I've even bought copies for my brothers and best friend.

I received my delivery on 25th of March, so I didnt have the chance to read it yet. This can show the time length of shipment.
Thanks,

Successful people are often asked what the secret of their success is. Often it is no secret; it's a combination of hard work, opportunity as well as the ability to reflect and learn in order to improve. "What Got You Here Won't Get You There" provides a roadmap for self-improvement. Marshall Goldsmith paints a clear and vivid path for readers to think about where they are now and what they must to do to get to wherever they want to go. Sometimes that means letting go of the past. Other times it means becoming a more attentive to the needs of others. This book illuminates the path of self-improvement so that an individual can become the successful person he or she desires to be. Full of good stories and good advice, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to increase his or her opportunities for personal growth and development.

TWENTY-FOUR CARAT GOLDSMITH!!

I've known Marshall Goldsmith for ten years, and written two books with him. Over that time I've had the privilege to see his ideas develop. Time and again, I've watched him introduce his techniques into leading corporations and electrify audiences worldwide. All his tips are alarmingly simple, tried and tested, positive and powerful.

This book is a distillation of Marshall's philosophy, written in his highly accessible story-telling style. Marshall teaches that with every breath "I'm a new me!" The book explains how our career history can so easily shape our attitudes in ways which tend to set us off in the wrong direction. Put these two ideas together, and there's no contradiction - instead they provide a recipe for reflection and the suggestion that there just might be a better way forward. Then Marshall shows how to find it!

Although Marshall never claims to be a strategist, the ideas in this book can turn out to be highly strategic when applied to your career. This is a great book for anyone working in an organization. In it, Marshall Goldsmith makes a major contribution to the Situational approach which is practical, motivational, and packs a myriad of useful, well-honed gems of learning.

Marshall's mission in life is to make you happy. Be happy: buy this book.

Laurence S. Lyons PhD
Coaching for Leadership: The Practice of Leadership Coaching from the World's Greatest Coaches

It made such an impression on me, I was amazed! And it had the same effect on my friend, who wrote:

This book found me! I wasn't looking for it, didn't think I could use it, and thought I had reached a place where I didn't really NEED another book to point out the way to success. I've always respected Marshall Goldsmith for his consistently impressive coaching techniques, but like most people, I'm not the CEO of anything. I liked where my career had taken me, loved what I was doing, felt I had the ideal job, and stopped wondering what my next step would be. So when I saw this book, I was not expecting it to have the impact it did - I knew it was going to be good - but it was so much more than that!

Dr. Goldsmith gave me some very useful insight about things I thought I was clear on but apparently not - no glaring character flaws, but what he calls "behavioral tics" or habits we repeat many times a day in the workplace. The key, he says, is the fact that we seldom have any idea how we are coming across to other people. We tend to view our behavior in one way, while others see it as something else.

He presents his concepts in such a conversational way that they don't seem preachy, in fact when I picked up the book and started reading, I found myself well into it before I realized that I didn't want to stop and put it down! There aren't many books about self-improvement I think anyone could say that about. The title intrigued me and the content of the book delivered more than it promised. I think it offers something for everyone, from the newest members of the workforce with their eyes on the next rung up the ladder to those who have had many decades to carve out a place for themselves and notice an inkling that there might just be one more step they'd like to take to make it even better.

Buy this book and actually read it. You will emerge from the experience with an appreciation of what you've done to get yourself here and some tools to develop a gameplan that will get you "there." I think this book is great.

We just can't be sheeps in a world of wolves, that's why we cannot apply the author's nice but not practical suggestions for the workplace.

I love this book!

Marshall Goldsmith gives such pearls of wisdom about leadership. Instead of being esoteric, he provides great useful advice about how to be a great leader.

All that we want to be is be recognized as a person who add value to the society where we live. But always that our mind believe that our sucess is complete we make one error that can destroy everything we got in the past. So it is wise to live looking ahead and searching what to do regarding a sucess journey that assure us that we have considered all the others persons who join us every moment we are living and their concerns. So the Marshall book is the one that create conditions for each one of us to realize about.

I thing all of us have heard the phrase that "people who needed it the most, often don't get it."

If you undestand the concepts in this book, it will have you nodding your head, if you don't, you probably will not get past the first chapter.

If you are reaching for more than you are and wonder if this is the road?
This is your sign that says "keep on going."

Marshall Goldsmith is a master at helping people see the one thing about themselves (that is often obvious to everyone else) that they must change to be more successful. This book gives you access to one of the world's greatest executive coaches as he weaves his magic on your character. So many books and so many people, dance around the truth that most of us have an Achilles' heel, a behavioral trait (or traits)that keeps us from being more successful. Marshall has a way of cutting to the chase and helping us wake up to smell the coffee. Get this book, read this book and implement its ideas. The most important asset each of us has is our persona, the way we are in the world. We spend so much time learning new facts, when what we need to do is look at our patterned ways of acting and thinking that keep us from finding greater success and happiness. Last year I interviewed 250 people from age 60-106 asking them what they had learned about life. They told me how critical it was to reflect more-to really go inside and know who you are. Goldsmith will hold up a mirror and most of us will find some of ourselves in the reflection. His feedback and insights have made me more successful and they have the potential to do the same for you.

This book is interesting, but has some drawbacks. First, it does present some useful information on how to deal with some of the interpersonal flaws many of us bring to the workplace. I haven't implemented any of the suggestions, but Marshall is talented and successful, so I take him at his word that the process works if implemented properly.

However, I had a hard time figuring out if I liked the book or not. I was - to agree with another rater - pretty bored with the material right out of the gate. But, since I'm reading this as part of a book club, I had to finish it. Also, - to agree with another rater in this forum - I felt the book was longer than necessary, and at times redundant. I like Marshall's writing style; its pretty conversational. Also, the sections are short, so you can get through a single idea pretty quickly. But, I had a hard time getting jazzed about the content. In fact, it wasn't until near the middle of the book that he expressly stated his thesis - what sets great leaders apart (the closer you get to the top of the org chart) is interpersonal effectiveness, not role-specific expertise.

Now, as a middle manager in corporate America, that seems like an obvious message to me. The only thing I'm stumped about is how to get the right people to pick up the book. As with most of the materials in this genre, those that need it probably won't read it!

This book, like many others of similar genre, take an article's worth of useful info and stretch it out over 100's of pages in order to sell it for more money. I found the writing redundant and patronizing, causing me to speed read from major point to major point. I don't mind examples, alternate explanations, and the odd antecdote but this book is ridiculous.

Usefulness of the info: 4/5
Value: 2/5

This is a practical text with insightful examples. A very effective coaching tool. I highly recommend this.

This book is essentially in two sections. A reflection section and an call-to-action section. On my first quick read, Marshall brought so many small things to my mind that I've been doing wrong in the work place. By simply making a few of his suggested changes, I've already increased loyalty with my subordinates and brought about important change. I am now working on the second section which takes much more time. I can see 100% how Goldsmith's techniques will work and bring about much change. I know what book I'll be getting many this next Christmas...

This book is a must read (and not just once) for any business professional looking to captivate his troops and gain the loyalty and respect needed to raise to the next level. No matter how good we think we are, there are always small things that will invoke great change.

I don't think you will find this book all that enlightening nor valuable as an individual. I am tired of being held hostage to an authors political agenda when I buy a book about a subject that has NOTHING to do with American politics. I rarely leave reviews, but make exceptions when I feel I have been ripped off financialy and time wise. I am no more interested in who he idolizes in politics than I am what his favorite movie stars are. Basically this books suggests squashing your personality or individuality, your sense of humor, and listen intensely, and dont speak except to say "thank you". Does not give advice for when others are being rude, disrespectful and how to handle, or deal with them effectively. Just say "thank you"??
Something dorky about a 50+ year old man using the phrase "I'm cool with it", and many other phrases he uses to try and be "hip".
Now, this is what I find so ironic is that this author praises Bill Clinton in not one, not two, not even just three, but FOUR pages in this book and yet his mantra seems to be "Is it worth it?" Was it "worth it" for this author to praise a man that 50% of the country feel absolutely no respect for, zero admiration, and feel he degraded, devalued the office of the presidency? Oh, and the mention and praise of George Soros more than once as well? AlGore?! We even get paragraphs of praise for Richard Clarke of all people in this book??? Now not here to argue politics with you, but if this author really believes in all he wrote in this book, he sure cant prove it by his OWN behaviour. He asks YOU to bite your tongue and not offend others by trying to "be me", and yet he cant even take his own advice with all this fawning over liberal political figures. Why offend half your readers, who shelled out your asking price for a book that is advertised to be about learning to be more successful people? And oh yeah, why do you call Bill Clinton, George Soros, Al Gore, Richard Clarke, Katie Couric, Harold Ramis, etc., respectfully by their full names, but when refering to the 40th president of the United States, serving two terms, elected by the adoring American public, you disrespectfully call him by his last name only, AND sarcasticaly in parenthesis? It's offensive. Atleast your writers, who did the index of your book know correct manners and protocol.
He should ask himself what was the need (seriously, you need to ask yourself this question, "Goldsmith") when so many other truly GREAT examples that are less offensive to half your readers? I sure dont feel like "IT WAS WORTH IT"!

I don't think you will find this book all that enlightening nor valuable as an individual. Also, I am tired of being held hostage to an authors political agenda when I buy a book about a subject that has NOTHING to do with American politics. I rarely leave reviews, but make exceptions when I feel I have been ripped off financialy and time wise. I never would've bought this book if I'd known it was peppered throughout with the authors political agenda. I am no more interested in who he idolizes in politics than I am what his favorite movie stars are. That's not what this book is advertised to be about.

Basically this books suggests squashing your personality or individuality, your sense of humor, and listen intensely, and dont speak except to say "thank you". Does not give advice for when others are being rude, disrespectful and how to handle, or deal with them effectively. Just say "thank you"????...pulleezze.

I have a strong sense of what he calls his 70% success rate has been based on all the employees getting together with their "feedback" and agreeing their boss has "changed for the better" to get this guy out of their building! LOL
Something dorky about a 50+ year old man using the phrase "I'm cool with it", and many other phrases that leave you feeling this guy is trying to be hip but just doesnt work.

Now, this is what I find so ironic is that this author praises Bill Clinton in not one, not two, not even just three, but FOUR pages in this book and yet his mantra seems to be "Is it worth it?" Was it "worth it" for this author to praise a man that 50% of the country feel absolutely no respect for, zero admiration, and feel he degraded the office of the presidency? Oh, and the mention and praise of George Soros more than once as well? We even get paragraphs of praise for Richard Clarke of all people in this book??? Now not here to argue politics with you, but if this author really believes in all he wrote in this book, he sure cant prove it by his OWN behaviour. HE WANTS YOU TO BITE YOUR TONGUE, BUT DOESNT FEEL HE SHOULD BITE HIS!! LOL Why offend half your readers, who shelled out your asking price, and yet you write a book telling others not to offend or not to "be Me"?

He should ask himself what was the need (seriously, you need to ask yourself this question, Marshall) when so many other truly GREAT examples that are less offensive to half your readers? I sure dont feel like "IT WAS WORTH IT"! lol

I don't think you will find this book all that enlightening nor valuable. Also, I am so sick and tired of being held hostage to an authors political agenda when I buy a book about a subject that has nothing to do with American politics.

Basically squash your personality, your sense of humor, and listen intensely, and dont speak except to say "thank you". Does not give advice for when others are being rude, disrespectful and how to handle, or deal with them. Just say "thank you"????...pulleezze.

I have a strong sense of what he calls his 70% success rate has been based on all the employees getting together and agreeing their boss has "changed for the better" or "feedback" to get this guy out of their building and lives! Something dorky about a 50+ year old man using the phrase "I'm cool with it", and many other phrases that leave you feeling this guy is trying to be hip but just doesnt work.

Now, this is what I find so ironic is that this author praises Bill Clinton in not one, not two, not even just three, but FOUR pages in this book and yet his mantra seems to be "Is it worth it?" Even the search engine words for this book on Amazon has "Bill Clinton" in it! lol Was it "worth it" for this author to praise a man that 50% of the country feel absolutely no respect for, zero admiration, and feel he degraded the office of the presidency? Oh, and the mention and praise of George Soros more than once as well???? Now not here to argue politics with you, but if this author really believes in all he wrote in this book, he sure cant prove it by his OWN behaviour. HE CANT BITE HIS TONGUE THE WAY HE THINKS YOU SHOULD HAVE TO BITE YOURS!! LOL Why offend half your readers and yet you write a book telling others not to offend or not to "be Me" and to ask Is it worth it?
He should ask himself what was the need (seriously, you need to ask yourself this question, Marshall) when so many other truly GREAT examples that are less offensive to half your readers?

I don't think you will find this book all that enlightening nor valuable as an individual. Also, I am so sick and tired of being held hostage to an authors political agenda when I buy a book about a subject that has nothing to do with American politics.

Basically this books suggests squashing your personality or individuality, your sense of humor, and listen intensely, and dont speak except to say "thank you". Does not give advice for when others are being rude, disrespectful and how to handle, or deal with them effectively. Just say "thank you"????...pulleezze.

I have a strong sense of what he calls his 70% success rate has been based on all the employees getting together with thier "feedback" and agreeing their boss has "changed for the better" to get this guy out of their building! Something dorky about a 50+ year old man using the phrase "I'm cool with it", and many other phrases that leave you feeling this guy is trying to be hip but just doesnt work.

Now, this is what I find so ironic is that this author praises Bill Clinton in not one, not two, not even just three, but FOUR pages in this book and yet his mantra seems to be "Is it worth it?" Was it "worth it" for this author to praise a man that 50% of the country feel absolutely no respect for, zero admiration, and feel he degraded the office of the presidency? Oh, and the mention and praise of George Soros more than once as well? We even get paragraphs of praise for Richard Clarke of all people in this book??? Now not here to argue politics with you, but if this author really believes in all he wrote in this book, he sure cant prove it by his OWN behaviour. HE WANTS YOU TO BITE YOUR TONGUE, BUT DOESNT FEEL HE SHOULD BITE HIS!! LOL Why offend half your readers, who shelled out your asking price, and yet you write a book telling others not to offend or not to "be Me"?
He should ask himself what was the need (seriously, you need to ask yourself this question, Marshall) when so many other truly GREAT examples that are less offensive to half your readers? I sure dont feel like "IT WAS WORTH IT!!"

This book is defintely for any high achiever who needs to understand that the skills which might get us to a particular level will not work when we try to make it to the top. Having lived exactly what the author explained, I had a tremendous amount of appreciation for the insight they provided!

This book is a must have for anyone who realizes, or is ready to realize that their communication could use some work. For me, that moment came with a peer / 360 review at work that suggested my communication needed work. I also knew I could do better with family communication.

The author has worked with many high-end (i.e. CXO level position) executives, and is very sure of his methods and techniques. I think that is probably because, they work! With only picking and choosing from his techniques, and eliminating my worst "bad work habits" that he clearly describes, I've seen my professional communication vastly improve.

For the price, and for anyone who works 8+ hours a day, this book is a must have. However, know that some of the techniques may not be easily applied by everyone. The author recommends "advertising" to and "polling" of your coworkers, related to your flaws. For many of us, this isn't simply a question of willpower, but could introduce significant awkward situations in the workplace. I think this book is still worth 10x the purchase price, and worthy of a 5 star review, but know that at least for me the latter half of the book was more skim-worthy than the first half.

One funny outcome of reading this book, you will suddenly become aware of coworkers bad habits, and possibly be better prepared to deal with them. I have one coworker who adds way too much value, and I know I just have to listen to him intently. Another often interrupts and says "No" to almost everything, but doesn't really stand in the way of progress. By eliminating these yourself and not reacting to them in others, you can really improve things at work...

Best of luck to all out there!

At the 2007 Vistage International Global Conference, Mr. Goldsmith presented a Keynote Speech which piqued my interest in his views on how successful people become even more successful. His book did not disappoint me.

Goldsmith writes in a clear and conversational tone. I had the advantage of having heard his voice and so could "hear him speaking" in my head as I read through his material. From the beginning, he sets a no-nonsense tone about what it takes to evaluate where you are and what you need to do to "get there" - a presumably better place. Goldsmith relies heavily on 360 degree feedback from colleagues and direct reports when he is working with an executive. He encourages his readers to do the same and provides tools in the appendices to help in that regard.

The book is logically organized and hits all the leadership growth hot buttons: The trouble with success, The 20 habits that hold you back from the top, How we can change for the better and Pulling out the stops. And not to let things get too predictable, the 20 habits turn into 21 and the 21st habit that holds you back from the top is "Goal Obsession."

The short list for "how we can change for the better," is: Feedback, apologizing, telling the world of your discoveries, listening, thanking, following up and practicing feedforward (seeking ideas on how to improve the skill you pick to improve; such as asking a colleague for two ideas on "how I can become a better listener."

Besides being concise, well organized, and to the point, Goldsmith regales us with wonderful stories from his many years of coaching experience. It seems that there are at least a couple of "nuggets" in each chapter. For example, from the section on "Be Your Own Press Secretary," there is this statement: "If there's one thing we've learned in this noisy media age, it's that simple, un-nuanced messages break through the clutter and hit home with high impact. (I'm not saying that's always a good thing, but it's a fact of life. Deal with it." Another gem I enjoyed was; "As a friend wisely noted, `Forgiveness means letting go of the hope for a better past.' " And on Feedback, Goldsmith had this to say, "It's not hard to see why people don't want to hear negative feedback. Successful people are incredibly delusional about their achievements. Over 95 percent of the members in most successful groups believe that they perform in the top half of their group."

This is a must read for any leader who is serious about advancing his or her own career and coaching others along that path. Get it, read it, do it.

This book is a must have for anyone who realizes, or is ready to realize that their communication could use some work. For me, that moment came with a peer / 360 review at work that suggested my communication needed work. I also knew I could do better with family communication.

The author has worked with many high-end (i.e. CXO level position) executives, and is very sure of his methods and techniques. I think that is probably because, they work! With only picking and choosing from his techniques, and eliminating my worst "bad work habits" that he clearly describes, I've seen my professional communication vastly improve.

For the price, and for anyone who works 8+ hours a day, this book is a must have. However, know that some of the techniques may not be easily applied by everyone. The author recommends "advertising" to and "polling" of your coworkers, related to your flaws. For many of us, this isn't simply a question of willpower, but could introduce significant awkward situations in the workplace. I think this book is still worth 10x the purchase price, and worthy of a 5 star review, but know that at least for me the latter half of the book was more skim-worthy than the first half.

One funny outcome of reading this book, you will suddenly become aware of coworkers bad habits, and possibly be better prepared to deal with them. I have one coworker who adds way too much value, and I know I just have to listen to him intently. Another often interrupts and says "No" to almost everything, but doesn't really stand in the way of progress. By eliminating these yourself and not reacting to them in others, you can really improve things at work...

Best of luck to all out there!

I thought this was a fascinating book. Marshall Goldsmith is an executive coach, and as such has had access/experience working with a lot of highly successful executives. The interesting thing for me is the number of highly successful people with major personality flaws/problems. One of Goldsmith's first insights is that most of these very successful people think that:
a) Since they are highly successful, they don't need to change; or
b) Maybe that personality "flaw" is part of what has made them successful. For example someone with a problem controlling their temper may view their temper as an asset that "fires up people."
Mr. Goldsmith successfully debunks these theories, and he has had the experience to back up his opinions. Most of the time, he gets called in by the CEO of a company to "fix" a successful and promising potential-successor who needs to improve a few things to be even more successful.
While I can look back at a number of my former bosses who I would have loved to get this book for (it would be a great gift for a Boss), it has inspired me to look at my own behavior and improve some things. I only hope that I don't receive this book in the future from one of the people that works for me!

I thought this was a fascinating book. Marshall Goldsmith is an executive coach, and as such has had access/experience working with a lot of highly successful executives. The interesting thing for me is the number of highly successful people with major personality flaws/problems. One of Goldsmith's first insights is that most of these very successful people think that:
a) Since they are highly successful, they don't need to change; or
b) Maybe that personality "flaw" is part of what has made them successful. For example someone with a problem controlling their temper may view their temper as an asset that "fires up people."
Mr. Goldsmith successfully debunks these theories, and he has had the experience to back up his opinions. Most of the time, he gets called in by the CEO of a company to "fix" a successful and promising potential-successor who needs to improve a few things to be even more successful.
While I can look back at a number of my former bosses who I would have loved to get this book for (it would be a great gift for a Boss), it has inspired me to look at my own behavior and improve some things. I only hope that I don't receive this book in the future from one of the people that works for me!

This is an excellent book from beginers to top executives. I picked up this book as it had Alan Mullaly's recommendation on the cover.

Author has listed 20 some habits and warns us to fix if we want to get there. Book is written with a style that you can not stop reading until you are done. It does not introduce you to some new buzz words or any 5-6 step process to fix your habits. Its a 'breeze in the summer' kind of book. Plus it makes a great gift for your boss.

This is an excellent book from beginers to top executives. I picked up this book as it had Alan Mullaly's recommendation on the cover.

Author has listed 20 some habits and warns us to fix if we want to get there. Book is written with a style that you can not stop reading until you are done. It does not introduce you to some new buzz words or any 5-6 step process to fix your habits. Its a 'breeze in the summer' kind of book. Plus it makes a great gift for your boss.

While this book seems to be geared primarily to those (still) in corporate, there's a lot of good information. As I read, there's a bunch of good old common sense, but sometimes we need to be reminded of things. You'll find Marshall's stories seem familiar, or you'll see yourself described in some of the passages.

There's some great wisdom that can be applied to anyone's life.

I have worked in executive education for major corporations for nearly 25 years, and find Marshall Goldsmith's recent work to be one of the most useful and practical books I have ever come across. Marshall's depth of experience has been translated into this gem...it gives the reader easy to understand ways to identify real opportunities to "get better" along with a simple (read powerful) approach to help people really improve. This is not the usual "jack you up and glaze you over" motivational hyperbole...more like a healthy sobriety test for anyone serious about being and doing better things. My clients all have remarked on the utility of this work and approach. My hats off to Goldsmith's buddha-like wisdom that cuts through alot of other ordinary business book b.s.

I've had the chance to get to know Marshall well over the years and have found him extraordinarily effective at telling stories in ways that motivate new insights and new action. In "What Got You Here," he has managed more than ever before, to make the living quality that has made him the most sought-after coach by CEOs around the world come out on the page. Reading the book is really very much like being advised my Marshall on how to do the hard, high-impact work of changing as a leader. And at a 10,000-fold discount to his usual rate as a coach, that may be the highest-ROI book purchase you ever have the chance to make.

Talks about these topics:

* Making Destructive Comments
* The Obsessive Need To Tell The World How Smart We Are
* Speaking When Angry
* Trying To Add Too Much Value To Other Peoples' Ideas
* Not Listening
* Goal Obsession


I didn't find the book terribly intereseting.

I felt that this book was too simplistic and I was bored pretty soon after starting it. Never finished it.

As a management consultant I am always looking for books that help my clients understand the impact of their behavior on others. This book is an easy read and gives clear direction in how to start improving interpersonal relationships.

If I had read this book 15 years ago I would be a much more effective business mad today. Nonetheless, I read the book and have learned practical ways to interact with others which can make me a more effective leader. As a side benefit, it has helped me improve my relationship with my wife. I highly recommend this to every leader who has above-average intelligence as it may help you see how your intellect can work against you in becoming a super effective leader.

A great tool for leaders and those who would like to be leaders. It is a easy book to understand and a fun read. Gives specific ways to improve oneself at work and at home.

Marshall has tips in here that you can apply to work and life settings. Some of his points are so memorable that my husband has actually quoted him a couple of times! I highly recommend this book.

Immediately useful, practical approaches to improving relationships. I bought copies for my employees, my kids and for some close friends. What Got You Here Won't Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful