Marshall Goldsmith

Marshall Goldsmith is an executive leadership coach and author who has worked with CEOs at major corporations including Ford, Pfizer, and Toyota. His work focuses on helping successful leaders achieve positive, lasting change in behavior for themselves and their teams. His book "What Got You Here Won't Get You There" became an international bestseller and earned him recognition as one of the most influential business thinkers by Thinkers50 and Harvard Business Review. The book identifies common workplace habits that hold successful people back from reaching higher levels of success. Goldsmith pioneered 360-degree feedback as a management development tool and created the "feedforward" concept for giving future-oriented suggestions rather than past-focused criticism. His coaching methodology emphasizes measurable leadership growth through regular feedback from colleagues and direct reports. Beyond his corporate work, Goldsmith serves as a professor in executive education programs at Dartmouth College's Tuck School of Business. His other notable books include "Triggers," "MOJO," and "How Women Rise," which have been translated into 28 languages.

Readers praise Goldsmith's practical, actionable advice and clear writing style. Many cite personal success applying his methods, particularly from "What Got You Here Won't Get You There." Business professionals highlight his concrete examples and behavioral checklists as immediately useful tools. What readers liked: - Specific, implementable steps rather than theory - Real case studies from major companies - Focus on common behavioral issues managers can relate to - Straightforward communication style without jargon What readers disliked: - Some find concepts repetitive across his books - Examples skew toward senior executives - Some readers want more depth on specific scenarios - Audio versions criticized for Goldsmith's narrative style Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: "What Got You Here" (4.05/5 from 42,000+ ratings) - Amazon: "Triggers" (4.6/5 from 1,200+ reviews) - Amazon: "How Women Rise" (4.7/5 from 1,800+ reviews) One reader noted: "Unlike many leadership books that just identify problems, Goldsmith gives you a clear roadmap for improvement." Another commented: "The concepts are simple but profound - I keep returning to them years later."

What Got You Here Won't Get You There (2007) A guide identifying common workplace habits that can impede success at executive levels.

MOJO: How to Get It, How to Keep It, How to Get It Back if You Lose It (2010) An examination of the factors that create professional and personal satisfaction and momentum.

Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts (2015) A study of environmental and psychological triggers that influence behavioral change.

How Women Rise (2018) An analysis of specific habits that can hold women back from advancing in their careers.

The Earned Life (2022) An exploration of how to live without regret by making choices aligned with personal values.

Work Is Love Made Visible (2018) A collection of essays about finding meaning and purpose in professional life.

Succession: Are You Ready? (2009) A practical guide to leadership transition and organizational succession planning.

Global Leadership: The Next Generation (2003) An examination of leadership requirements in an interconnected global business environment.

Patrick Lencioni writes about leadership and organizational health through business fables and frameworks. His books focus on team dynamics and workplace relationships, similar to Goldsmith's emphasis on behavioral change and leadership effectiveness.

Daniel Goleman focuses on emotional intelligence in leadership and its impact on workplace performance. His research-based approach examines how self-awareness and relationship management affect career success, aligning with Goldsmith's coaching principles.

Ram Charan provides insights on corporate governance, leadership development, and succession planning. His writing combines board-level perspective with practical execution strategies for business leaders.

Susan Scott concentrates on how crucial conversations and authentic communication drive organizational success. Her work addresses leadership communication challenges and relationship-building in professional settings.

Peter Drucker wrote foundational works on management theory and leadership effectiveness. His concepts about executive self-development and management practices share common ground with Goldsmith's focus on behavioral improvement for leaders.