In this episode, we are discussing book and talk about this topic at Google. Marshall Goldsmith is executive coach on leadership development. He discusses common challenges faced by successful individuals, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what to stop doing rather than solely on what to start. He introduces a "feed-forward" approach to coaching, encouraging self-reflection and peer feedback to foster personal and professional growth. The session involves interactive exercises designed to promote self-improvement and better interpersonal relationships. Goldsmith stresses the significance of asking for feedback, both at work and in personal life, and the power of consistent follow-up to achieve lasting change.
Challenges Faced by Successful Leaders: This talk focuses on the unique challenges that successful individuals encounter and how their very success can hinder their personal and professional growth.
The Importance of "Stopping": Building on Peter Drucker's wisdom, Goldsmith emphasizes the necessity for successful leaders to identify and stop behaviors that are no longer serving them, even if they contributed to past success.
Feedforward: The talk introduces a practical and positive approach to personal development called "feedforward," which encourages focusing on future possibilities and actions rather than dwelling on past mistakes.
Peer Coaching and Personal Development: Goldsmith highlights the power of peer coaching and provides a simple framework for individuals to support each other's growth through active listening, constructive suggestions, and follow-up.
Applying Learning to Work and Life: The principles discussed in the talk are relevant not only to professional settings but also to personal relationships, particularly with family and partners.Most Important Ideas/Facts:
The Delusion of Success:
"The first thing you learn about successful people is successful people are delusional and the more successful we become the more delusional we get."
Successful individuals often overestimate their abilities and contributions, making them resistant to feedback and change.
Annoying Habits of Successful People:
Winning Too Much: The drive to win in every situation, even trivial ones, can damage relationships and hinder collaboration.
Adding Too Much Value: The constant need to improve upon others' ideas can diminish commitment and stifle innovation.
Passing Judgment: Excessive judgment creates a negative environment and discourages open communication.
Feedforward in Action:
Focus on the future, not the past.
No judgment or criticism of suggestions.
Keep it positive, simple, focused, and fast.
Express gratitude for all ideas received.
The Power of Asking:
Leaders should actively solicit feedback from colleagues, direct reports, and, crucially, their partners at home.
"What can I do to be a better [manager/partner/team member]?" is a simple but powerful question.
Fear of the answer is the biggest barrier to asking for feedback.
Follow-up is Key:
Consistent follow-up on commitments to improve is the most significant factor in achieving real change.
Regular check-ins with peers and coaches help maintain momentum and ensure accountability.
"We spend a lot of time teaching leaders what to do; we don't spend enough time teaching leaders what to stop."
"You cannot steal what people give you." (Regarding his freely available material)
"Spend a few thousand dollars, you get better." (Illustrating the effectiveness of using small monetary incentives for behavior change)
"If people don't care, don't waste your time as a coach."
"Be happy now." (A key takeaway from those facing their own mortality)
"Friends and family… they're a little important."
"If you have a dream, go for it."Goldsmith delivers a humorous, engaging, and insightful talk that challenges conventional notions of leadership development. He provides practical tools and techniques that are easily applicable to both work and life, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, humility, and a focus on continuous improvement. His emphasis on "feedforward," asking for feedback, and consistent follow-up offers a valuable framework for anyone striving to become a more effective leader and a happier individual.
Challenges Faced by Successful Leaders: This talk focuses on the unique challenges that successful individuals encounter and how their very success can hinder their personal and professional growth.
The Importance of "Stopping": Building on Peter Drucker's wisdom, Goldsmith emphasizes the necessity for successful leaders to identify and stop behaviors that are no longer serving them, even if they contributed to past success.
Feedforward: The talk introduces a practical and positive approach to personal development called "feedforward," which encourages focusing on future possibilities and actions rather than dwelling on past mistakes.
Peer Coaching and Personal Development: Goldsmith highlights the power of peer coaching and provides a simple framework for individuals to support each other's growth through active listening, constructive suggestions, and follow-up.
Applying Learning to Work and Life: The principles discussed in the talk are relevant not only to professional settings but also to personal relationships, particularly with family and partners.Most Important Ideas/Facts:
The Delusion of Success:
"The first thing you learn about successful people is successful people are delusional and the more successful we become the more delusional we get."
Successful individuals often overestimate their abilities and contributions, making them resistant to feedback and change.
Annoying Habits of Successful People:
Winning Too Much: The drive to win in every situation, even trivial ones, can damage relationships and hinder collaboration.
Adding Too Much Value: The constant need to improve upon others' ideas can diminish commitment and stifle innovation.
Passing Judgment: Excessive judgment creates a negative environment and discourages open communication.
Feedforward in Action:
Focus on the future, not the past.
No judgment or criticism of suggestions.
Keep it positive, simple, focused, and fast.
Express gratitude for all ideas received.
The Power of Asking:
Leaders should actively solicit feedback from colleagues, direct reports, and, crucially, their partners at home.
"What can I do to be a better [manager/partner/team member]?" is a simple but powerful question.
Fear of the answer is the biggest barrier to asking for feedback.
Follow-up is Key:
Consistent follow-up on commitments to improve is the most significant factor in achieving real change.
Regular check-ins with peers and coaches help maintain momentum and ensure accountability.
"We spend a lot of time teaching leaders what to do; we don't spend enough time teaching leaders what to stop."
"You cannot steal what people give you." (Regarding his freely available material)
"Spend a few thousand dollars, you get better." (Illustrating the effectiveness of using small monetary incentives for behavior change)
"If people don't care, don't waste your time as a coach."
"Be happy now." (A key takeaway from those facing their own mortality)
"Friends and family… they're a little important."
"If you have a dream, go for it."Goldsmith delivers a humorous, engaging, and insightful talk that challenges conventional notions of leadership development. He provides practical tools and techniques that are easily applicable to both work and life, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, humility, and a focus on continuous improvement. His emphasis on "feedforward," asking for feedback, and consistent follow-up offers a valuable framework for anyone striving to become a more effective leader and a happier individual.