Principles Of Most Influential Leadership

Marshall Goldsmith (March 20, 1949) is an author of management-related literature, professor, consultant and executive coach.

Born in Valley Station, Kentucky, he received his BS from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, his MBA from Indiana University and his Ph.D. from UCLA. From 1976-2000 he became an Assistant Professor and then Associate Dean at Loyola Marymount University’s College of Business. He currently is a University Professor at Alliant International University.

Goldsmith is generally regarded as a world authority in helping successful leaders achieve positive lasting change in behavior: for themselves, their people and their teams

Goldsmith's Work

The same beliefs that lead to our success – can make it very difficult for us to change behavior – and, as difficult as it is to change our own behavior, it is even more difficult to change others’ perception of our behavior.

The behavior of leaders need to be reflective of the stated values of the corporation – and that key executives need to ‘go first’ in modeling positive behavioral change.

Managers who receive feedback and engage in ongoing follow-up with co-workers will almost always achieve positive, change in behavior and be seen as more effective leaders by their key stakeholders (this was shown in a Strategy+Business article that involved over 86,000 respondents).

The key to success in executive coaching is not the coach (who is a facilitator of change) – it is the people being coached and their key stakeholders.

Leadership development should provide tools that can be used in a positive, simple, focused and fast manner. Complex theories of change, while interesting, will not work in the ‘real world’ with over-extended executives.

Most executive education has historically been based upon an invalid assumption, “If they understand – they will do.” The basic challenge faced by managers is not understanding the practice of leadership – it is practicing their understanding of leadership.

In 2007, Marshall was voted as the Fourth Most Influential Leadership Professional by Gurus International in an independent internet study.