What Got You Here Won't Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful

by Marshall Goldsmith

I teach my clients to go back to all their coworkers every month or so and ask them for comments and suggestions. For example, that first client who had a problem sharing and including his peers went to each colleague and said the following: “Last month I told you that I would try to get better at being more inclusive. You gave me some ideas and I would like to know if you think I have effectively put them into practice.” That question forces his colleagues to stop what they’re doing and, once again, think about his efforts to change, mentally gauge his progress, and keep him focused on continued improvement. If you do this every month, your colleagues eventually begin to accept that you’re getting better—not because you say so but because it’s coming from their lips. When I tell you, “I’m getting better,” I believe it. When I ask you, “Am I getting better?” and you say I am, then you believe it.