What Got You Here Won't Get You There: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of What Got You Here Won't Get You There, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
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 OF 8
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 OF 8
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.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Adding value can backfire
Goldsmith warns against always adding your opinion to others' ideas.
It reduces their ownership. In Goldsmith's view, when a leader always changes others' ideas, people feel the idea is no longer theirs and care less about it.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Feedback reveals habits
Goldsmith suggests collecting feedback from colleagues to identify habits.
Others see what we miss. In Goldsmith's view, people close to us often see our habits clearly, so asking them is a good way to learn what to change.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Apologise sincerely
Goldsmith argues that apologising is powerful in changing relationships.
It shows commitment to change. In Goldsmith's view, a sincere apology without excuses shows respect, and it helps people believe that a leader really wants to improve.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Listen and thank
Goldsmith encourages listening carefully and thanking people for feedback.
These simple acts build trust. In Goldsmith's view, a leader who listens and says thanks makes it easier for people to keep giving honest feedback.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Use feedforward
Goldsmith describes feedforward, asking for suggestions for the future rather than criticism of the past.
It encourages positive change. In Goldsmith's view, talking about the future feels less like blame, so people are more willing to listen and to try new things.
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