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How Successful People Sabotage Themselves—and How to Break Through

Introduction

In What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, renowned executive coach Marshall Goldsmith explores a critical truth: the habits that fuel early success often become obstacles at the next level. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, team leader, or rising professional, this book challenges you to evolve beyond your ego, embrace feedback, and refine the subtle behaviors that define great leadership.

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10 Key Lessons from What Got You Here Won’t Get You There

1. Success Can Breed Blind Spots

High achievers often assume what worked before will keep working. But repeating the same behaviors won’t unlock new levels. Growth means shedding habits that no longer serve you—even if they once did.

2. The Problem Isn’t Skill—It’s Behavior

Most people Goldsmith coaches are technically brilliant. Their downfall? Toxic behaviors like interrupting, micromanaging, or needing to be right. The difference between good and great often lies in emotional intelligence, not competence.

3. Feedback Is a Mirror—Use It

Leaders who welcome honest feedback outperform those who resist it. Goldsmith stresses the importance of active listening and accepting criticism without defensiveness. That’s where real self-improvement starts.

4. Stop Adding Too Much Value

One of the most common leadership flaws is the compulsion to add your opinion to everything. While it feels helpful, it often demotivates others. Sometimes, letting others own their ideas is the real power move.

5. Let Go of the Need to Win

The desire to win every conversation, debate, or decision erodes trust and teamwork. Goldsmith suggests shifting from “winning” to “succeeding together”—especially in leadership roles.

6. Excuses Undermine Responsibility

Successful people often justify their worst habits with excuses: “That’s just who I am.” But self-awareness without accountability leads nowhere. Growth demands you take full ownership of your actions.

7. Apologizing is a Strength, Not a Weakness

A sincere apology—without qualifiers—can repair relationships and rebuild respect. Goldsmith encourages leaders to make amends when they mess up, rather than defend or deflect.

8. Listening is More Powerful Than Talking

In many situations, listening is the most influential thing you can do. Leaders who genuinely listen unlock deeper insights, build trust, and foster a culture of openness.

9. Pick One Habit—and Break It

Goldsmith’s coaching method often focuses on changing one behavior at a time. Trying to fix everything at once is overwhelming. Sustained, focused effort is what rewires habits.

10. What Got You “Here” Won’t Get You “There”

The title says it all. Every level of success requires a new version of you. If you’re not evolving, you’re stalling. Leadership isn’t about holding onto what worked—it’s about adapting to what’s next.