What Got You Here Won't Get You There: A Gentle Guide to Marshall Goldsmith's Transformative Book
In a world that celebrates achievement, it can be humbling to realize that the very habits driving success might one day hold us back. This is the core insight of What Got You Here Won't Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful by Marshall Goldsmith, with Mark Reiter. Published in 2007, this bestselling self-improvement classic has sold over 2 million copies worldwide and remains a staple for leaders in 2026.
Goldsmith, a renowned executive coach, draws from decades working with Fortune 500 CEOs to reveal a simple truth: at higher levels, interpersonal flaws, not lack of skill, often stall progress. The book offers practical tools to overcome them, fostering growth with compassion rather than criticism.
This guide explores the book's message, key ideas, impact, and why it resonates deeply for anyone seeking meaningful change.
The Book's Core Message
Goldsmith's title captures the essence. The strengths that propel early career success, drive, confidence, focus, can become liabilities in leadership roles. What "got you here" (technical expertise, winning arguments) won't "get you there" (inspiring teams, building trust).
The book targets high achievers who are good but want to be great. Goldsmith identifies 20 common behavioral habits that annoy colleagues and hinder influence. He stresses: success is not just about doing more, but stopping unhelpful patterns.
Written in an accessible, anecdote-rich style, it feels like a trusted mentor's advice.
The 20 Habits (and Four More): What to Stop Doing
Goldsmith's famous list forms the heart of the book.
Key habits include:
Winning too much: Needing to best others in every situation.
Adding too much value: Improving every idea, diminishing others.
Passing judgment: Rating instead of listening.
Making destructive comments: Sarcasm that wounds.
Telling the world how smart we are: Needing validation.
Speaking when angry: Emotional volatility.
Negativity or "Let me explain why that won't work."
Withholding information: Hoarding power.
Failing to give recognition.
Claiming credit we don't deserve.
Making excuses.
Clinging to the past.
Playing favorites.
Refusing to express regret.
Not listening.
Failing to express gratitude.
Punishing the messenger.
Passing the buck.
An excessive need to be "me."
Goal obsession at others' expense.
Plus four in the expanded edition. Goldsmith explains each with real CEO stories (anonymized), showing how small flaws create big barriers.
The solution? Feedforward (asking for future suggestions), apology, advertising change, listening, thanking, following up.
Why This Book Resonates in 2026
Over 2 million copies sold, with consistent 4.0+ Goodreads ratings from hundreds of thousands. Endorsements from leaders like Alan Mulally (Ford) and Frances Hesselbein.
In 2026, amid hybrid work and AI-driven change, interpersonal skills matter more. Goldsmith's focus on ego management and feedback aligns with emotional intelligence trends.
Readers report career boosts: better teams, promotions, relationships. It's humane, change through awareness, not shame.
Who Should Read It
Executives or managers feeling "stuck" despite success.
Anyone in leadership transitions.
High achievers seeking self-awareness.
Pair with Atomic Habits for habit-building.
A Final Reflection
Goldsmith reminds us: true growth often means letting go. The book invites gentle self-examination, offering freedom through better connections.
A timeless guide for becoming not just successful, but significant.
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