What Got You Here Won’t Get You There

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Outline: What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith

Outline

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1. Introduction

  • Premise: Many professionals stagnate in their careers due to detrimental behavioral patterns.
  • Key Message: Success at one level doesn’t guarantee success at the next. To advance, professionals must develop effective interpersonal skills and eliminate 21 bad workplace behaviors.

2. The Bad Habits of Successful Individuals

2.1 Demonstrating Apparent Superiority

  • Overview: Stemming from the belief in one’s superiority, these habits alienate colleagues.
  1. Urgent Need to Win
    • Problem: Compulsively trying to “win” trivial arguments.
    • Solution: Assess if winning is worth potential damage to relationships.
  2. Compulsively Enhancing Others’ Ideas
    • Problem: Undermining others by “improving” their ideas.
    • Solution: Acknowledge contributions without adding input unnecessarily.
  3. Judging Colleagues’ Ideas and Opinions
    • Problem: Creating a pressurized environment by evaluating every input.
    • Solution: Thank colleagues for their contributions without judgment.
  4. Overusing “No,” “But,” and “However”
    • Problem: Dismissive language leads to defensiveness and conflict.
    • Solution: Reflect on whether criticism is necessary and avoid default negativity.
  5. Proclaiming Intelligence
    • Problem: Belittling others by stating, “I already knew that.”
    • Solution: Show appreciation for shared information without diminishing it.

2.2 Expressing Negativity and Withholding Positivity

  • Overview: Criticism and anger erode trust, while failing to recognize efforts breeds resentment.
  1. Making Harmful Comments
    • Problem: Rudeness damages relationships.
    • Solution: Keep hurtful thoughts to yourself.
  2. Displaying Anger Towards Others
    • Problem: Frequent anger makes you seem unstable.
    • Solution: Step away or practice deep breathing to manage anger.
  3. Shooting the Messenger
    • Problem: Punishing those who deliver bad news.
    • Solution: Thank messengers for their honesty.
  4. Unwavering Negativity
    • Problem: Constant pessimism discourages collaboration.
    • Solution: Balance critical feedback with positive observations.
  5. Withholding Praise and Recognition
  • Problem: Lack of acknowledgment fosters resentment.
  • Solution: Regularly recognize and celebrate team achievements.

2.3 Avoiding Accountability

  • Overview: Shifting blame and resisting change erode credibility.
  1. Shifting Blame for Your Errors
  • Problem: Undermines integrity.
  • Solution: Take responsibility for mistakes.
  1. Using Past Struggles as Justification
  • Problem: Erodes respect when struggles are taken out on others.
  • Solution: Develop a healthier perspective on past challenges.
  1. Blaming Personality for Poor Behavior
  • Problem: Excusing bad behavior as innate.
  • Solution: Commit to change despite the effort required.
  1. Resisting Change as “Authenticity”
  • Problem: Justifying harmful habits as being “real.”
  • Solution: Consider how your actions affect others and adjust.
  1. Never Apologizing
  • Problem: Creates bitterness and damages relationships.
  • Solution: Offer sincere apologies when necessary.

2.4 Failure to Express Gratitude or Listen

  • Overview: Neglecting gratitude and ignoring others diminishes respect.
  1. Failing to Say Thank You
  • Problem: Arrogance and ungratefulness.
  • Solution: Express gratitude whenever appropriate.
  1. Ignoring the Voices of Others
  • Problem: Dismissive listening undermines confidence.
  • Solution: Listen respectfully and value others’ ideas.

2.5 Miscellaneous Bad Behaviors

  • Overview: Additional detrimental behaviors that harm relationships and trust.
  1. Withholding Information
  • Problem: Fosters distrust and poor collaboration.
  • Solution: Share essential updates regularly.
  1. Claiming Credit for Others’ Achievements
  • Problem: Incites resentment.
  • Solution: Acknowledge contributors openly.
  1. Exhibiting Favoritism
  • Problem: Demoralizes team members.
  • Solution: Assess if favoritism is performance-based or personal bias.
  1. Obsession With Goal Achievement
  • Problem: Pursuing goals at the expense of others.
  • Solution: Regularly evaluate actions and apologize if they cause harm.

3. Overcoming Bad Habits

3.1 Step 1: Recognize Your Bad Habits

  • Action: Solicit feedback to identify problematic behaviors.
  • Best Practice:
    • Use confidential, third-party feedback for honest responses.
    • Seek input from supervisors, peers, and subordinates (“360-degree feedback”).

3.2 Step 2: Initiate the Change Process

  • Action: Replace negative behaviors with healthier alternatives.
  • Obstacles:
    1. Overwhelm: Start by eliminating negative behaviors before adopting new ones.
    2. Resistance to Change: List the benefits and drawbacks of the habit to gain clarity.

3.3 Step 3: Engage Colleagues in Discussions

  • Conversations to Initiate:
    1. Apologize for Past Misconduct: Show accountability and sincerity.
    2. Commit to Change: Reassure colleagues of your dedication.
    3. Request “Feedforward”: Seek constructive advice on future behavior.

4. Conclusion

  • Core Message: Identify and address bad habits to unlock greater professional success.
  • Path Forward: Use feedback, self-awareness, and deliberate action to foster growth and improve relationships.