Research Brief
A recording for this session isn't published. Below is the BPI editorial brief — key takeaways, an in-depth summary, and FAQs drawn from the original session materials and the presenter's body of work.
Presenter
Marshall Goldsmith
Description
Presented by Marshall Goldsmith, named one of the 50 greatest living business thinkers by the Times-London and author of 23 New York Times best-selling books, including What Got You Here Won't Get You There. Microsoft Presenters: Brian Underhill and Carol Hedley In this fast-paced, interactive session, Dr. Goldsmith will show why, as we become more successful, it can be more difficult to change. He will demonstrate how to use "what to stop" as a coaching tool as well as feedforward – a positive, focused tool for development and coaching. Marshall will share a proven model for coaching and change that is supported by research involving over 86,000 participants from around the world. Finally, participants will learn how to become better friends and family members – as well as leader and co-workers.
Learning Points
* How to use “what to stop" in personal development and coaching * About feedforward – a positive, focused process for development * Dr. Goldsmith’s process for behavioral change, as well as the essentials of coaching direct reports, peers, and team members
Key Takeaways
- 1.As people become more successful, their existing behaviors can make it more difficult for them to change and improve.
- 2.A powerful coaching tool for successful leaders is identifying what behaviors they need to 'stop' doing.
- 3.'Feedforward' is a positive, future-focused process for development that can be more effective than traditional feedback.
- 4.A proven model for behavioral change is supported by research involving over 86,000 participants worldwide.
- 5.Coaching principles can improve relationships not just with team members, but also with friends and family.
The Paradox of Success
For leaders who have achieved a high level of success, the very behaviors that led to that success can become barriers to further improvement. In this session, renowned leadership coach Marshall Goldsmith explains why it becomes more difficult to change as we become more successful. He shares a proven model for coaching and behavioral change, supported by extensive research with over 86,000 participants, to help leaders break through this plateau.
Key Coaching Strategies
Dr. Goldsmith introduces two powerful and practical techniques for personal and professional development:
- What to Stop: A critical part of development is not just learning new skills, but also identifying and eliminating existing habits that no longer serve you. Dr. Goldsmith demonstrates how to use "what to stop" as a central coaching tool.
- Feedforward: This session introduces "feedforward" as a positive, focused alternative to traditional feedback. Instead of dwelling on the past, this process helps individuals focus on future possibilities and solutions for development.
A Case Study in Action
In addition to these models, the webinar features a case study of Microsoft's Exceptional Potential Coaching Program, presented by Brian Underhill and Carol Hedley, showcasing how these principles are applied in a leading organization.
Broader Applications for Change
The lessons from this session are not limited to the corner office. Dr. Goldsmith shows how these concepts can be applied to become a better leader, co-worker, team member, and even a better friend and family member.
This session with renowned coach Marshall Goldsmith explores the critical paradox for successful leaders: the very strengths that propel them forward can become obstacles to future growth. It delves into actionable strategies for shedding counterproductive behaviors and embracing new approaches to leadership, specifically referencing insights from Microsoft's exceptional potential coaching program.
What you'll learn
- Identifying success traps: Understand how previously successful behaviors can hinder future development.
- Overcoming behavioral blind spots: Learn to recognize and address unconscious patterns that limit effectiveness.
- Applying feedforward: Discover the power of forward-looking feedback for positive change.
- Leveraging coaching best practices: Gain insights from successful coaching initiatives, including the Microsoft case study.
- Sustaining growth: Explore methods for building a culture of continuous personal and professional development.
Who this webinar is for
- Senior leaders and executives seeking to enhance their impact.
- Managers and high-potential employees looking to break through performance plateaus.
- HR and Organizational Development professionals designing leadership programs.
- Coaches and mentors interested in advanced behavioral change strategies.
- Anyone committed to continuous personal and professional growth.
Why it matters now
In an increasingly dynamic and unpredictable global landscape, leaders face constant pressure to adapt and evolve. The principles discussed by Marshall Goldsmith are more relevant than ever, emphasizing that past achievements do not guarantee future success. Organizations require leaders who can continuously learn, unlearn, and relearn to navigate complexity, drive innovation, and inspire their teams effectively. This focus on adaptive leadership and continuous personal development is crucial for organizational resilience and competitive advantage.
How leaders can apply this
Leaders can immediately begin to self-assess their own 'limiting beliefs' and habitual behaviors that might be holding them back. They can proactively seek out 'feedforward' from peers, direct reports, and superiors to identify areas for growth. Implementing structured coaching approaches, similar to elements seen in Microsoft's program, can support their teams in a similar journey of self-improvement. Fostering a culture where continuous learning and constructive feedback are encouraged becomes paramount for individual and collective success.
About this session
Key takeaways
Watching this webinar gives you grounded, practical perspective on marshall goldsmith, marshall, goldsmith, coaching, and development. Expect ideas you can use in leadership conversations, not abstract theory, drawn from Marshall Goldsmith's direct experience.
Who this is for
CHROs, HR business partners, talent leaders, executive coaches, organizational development practitioners, and senior leaders who are responsible for marshall goldsmith inside their organization.
Why it matters now
Workforce expectations, hybrid work patterns, and AI-driven change keep raising the bar on culture and leadership. Sessions like this help leaders make smarter, more evidence-informed decisions about marshall goldsmith, marshall, goldsmith, coaching, and development.
How to apply it
Use the ideas here to challenge a current assumption on your team, design a single concrete experiment in the next 30 days, and bring one finding back to your leadership group for discussion.