Author

Marshall Goldsmith

16 key ideas across 2 books, each explained in our own words.

Triggers

IDEA 1
Environment shapes behaviour
Goldsmith argues that our environment constantly triggers our behaviour, often in ways we do not notice. People, places and situations push us towards habits we may want to change. Goldsmith argues that noticing these triggers is the first step towards choosing our actions.
IDEA 2
Excuses block change
Goldsmith describes belief triggers, excuses like I'll do it later or I'm not like that. These beliefs prevent change. In Goldsmith's view, these thoughts let us feel fine while we stay the same, so we must notice them before we can change.
IDEA 3
We plan better than we act
Goldsmith describes the gap between the planner, who makes good intentions, and the doer, who acts. The doer is influenced by triggers. In Goldsmith's view, we plan with a calm mind, but daily life offers many distractions that weaken our plans.

IDEA 1
Success can blind leaders
Goldsmith, an executive coach, argues that successful people often believe they succeed because of all their behaviours, when some habits actually hold them back. What brought them success may not take them further.
IDEA 2
Small habits cause big problems
Goldsmith lists twenty interpersonal habits that harm leaders, such as needing to win every argument, adding unnecessary input and making excuses. These habits damage relationships. Goldsmith's view is that such habits are easy to ignore, but over time they cost a leader the support of their team.
IDEA 3
Winning too much annoys others
Goldsmith describes the need to win at all costs, even in trivial situations. This habit irritates colleagues. In Goldsmith's view, a person who must always be right may win the argument but lose the goodwill of the people around them.

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