Navigating the Modern Elder Path: A Guide to “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There”

America’s most sought-after executive coach shows how to climb the last few rungs of the ladder.

The corporate world is filled with executives, men and women who have worked hard for years to reach the upper levels of management. They’re intelligent, skilled, and even charismatic. But only a handful of them will ever reach the pinnacle – and as executive coach Marshall Goldsmith shows in this book, subtle nuances make all the difference. These are small “transactional flaws” performed by one person against another (as simple as not saying thank you enough), which lead to negative perceptions that can hold any executive back. 

Using Goldsmith’s straightforward, jargon-free advice, it’s amazingly easy behavior to change.

What’s holding you back? Your hard work is paying off. You are doing well in your field. But there is something standing between you and the next level of achievement. Perhaps one small flaw–a behavior you barely even recognize–is the only thing that’s keeping you from where you want to be.

Who can help? Marshall Goldsmith is an expert at helping global leaders overcome their sometimes unconscious annoying habits and attain a higher level of success. His one-on-one coaching comes with a six-figure price tag. But, in this audiobook, you get Marshall’s great advice without the hefty fee!

What is the solution? The Harvard Business Review asked Goldsmith, “What is the most common problem faced by the executives that you coach?” Inside, he answers this question by discussing not only the key beliefs of successful leaders, but also the behaviors that hold them back. He addresses the fundamental problems that often come with success – and offers ways to attack these problems. Goldsmith outlines twenty habits commonly found in the corporate environment and provides a systematic approach to helping you achieve a positive change in behavior.

What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith has been a highly relevant book for my journey of developing into a modern elder. The book focuses on personal and professional development, which aligns with my desire to invest in younger generations while continuing to learn.

Marshall Goldsmith, a renowned executive coach, delves into the challenges faced by successful individuals who aspire to reach even greater heights in their careers and personal lives. He emphasizes that the habits and behaviors that lead to initial success may become hindrances as one progresses. Goldsmith’s central message is that to continue growing and achieving, it’s essential to identify and eliminate destructive behaviors and foster positive ones.

The book provides a systematic framework for self-improvement, with a particular focus on interpersonal skills, leadership, and communication. Goldsmith identifies twenty common habits that can hold people back from reaching their full potential, including issues like not listening effectively, constantly providing unsolicited feedback, and undermining one’s own efforts through negative behaviors. He offers practical advice and strategies for addressing these habits.

What Got You Here Won’t Get You There is an outstanding guide for anyone looking to enhance their leadership and personal effectiveness. It offers actionable insights and real-world examples that can help professionals to develop as modern elders who provide mentorship to younger generations.

The book is highly organized and provides a clear structure for addressing each of the twenty habits. Goldsmith’s recommendations are practical and applicable, and he stresses the importance of getting honest feedback from colleagues, a practice that aligns with my interest in investing in younger generations.

Goldsmith values good arguments and practical solutions over mere authority, making this book a valuable resource for critical thinkers. It encourages self-reflection, which is essential for guiding and nurturing younger talent. Additionally, the book’s emphasis on the importance of continuous improvement and adaptation aligns the development of new technologies and contrarian ideas.

In summary, What Got You Here Won’t Get You There is an invaluable resource for those seeking to elevate their leadership skills and make a meaningful impact on the people they mentor. It offers a practical roadmap for self-improvement and aligns with my goal of becoming a modern elder who invests in the growth of younger generations.


Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based, current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.


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