Success. One of the most sought-after landmarks among business owners – and also one of the most difficult to define. One person’s success story is likely entirely different from another’s, and regardless of how they define success, one thing is very common among business owners: once they become moderately successful, they can get in their own way and prevent themselves from taking their business to the next level. At least, that’s the premise upon which Marshall Goldsmith and Mark Reiter have built their argument in What Got You Here Won’t Get You There. In their engaging and interesting book, Goldsmith and Reiter analyze why high-achieving business leaders can get in their own way when it comes to taking their business to the next level.

The Habits that Hold You Back

Goldsmith and Reiter refer to a “success delusion” among high-achieving business owners. This is the misconception that the same habits and actions that got an entrepreneur to their current level of success will be enough to take them to the next level. They identify 20 flawed habits that ultimately prevent business leaders from getting more success. Each of these 20 practices is an interpersonal habit that prevents entrepreneurs from seeing their own shortcomings, overcoming the obstacles they’ve put in place for themselves, and recognizing the contributions – and potential – of others.

Resisting Change

In addition to the 20 habits that serve as interpersonal hurdles for entrepreneurs, Goldsmith and Reither identify four beliefs that make leaders successful but also resistant to change. These are…

  • I have succeeded
  • I can succeed
  • I will succeed
  • I choose to succeed

In order for these beliefs to actually contribute to success, they must exist alongside habits that encourage self-awareness and healthy interpersonal habits. These include:

  • Apologizing to team members for flawed behavior and advertising improvement efforts
  • Follow-up with colleagues regularly to see the fruits of initiatives and hard work
  • Listening without prejudice and responding to answers with gratitude

Overcoming the Hurdles We Place on Ourselves

Ultimately, Goldsmith and Reiter’s methodology exists to help business leaders break the bad habits they’ve established because of their success. This book is a nuanced and informative study of entrepreneurs’ responses to success – and the easy habits we can all implement to take our businesses to the next level.
This is a great read for business owners looking to take their companies to the next level. As this book would suggest, the success of your business begins with you.
To learn more about how to take your business to the next level without sacrificing your time, reach out to us to schedule a free strategy session!