Studies of hundreds of individual coaching engagements, including C-Suite Leaders, revealed the 20 most often worked on and improved Leadership Behavioural Skills are as follows:
20 Most Improved Leadership Skills
1. Treat Others with Respect – Leading with integrity and valuing others.
2. Build Trust – Creating an environment of psychological safety and credibility.
3. Listen to Different POVs with an Open Mind Before Giving My Opinion – Encouraging diverse perspectives.
4. Delegate More Effectively – Empowering teams by distributing responsibilities wisely.
5. Stand Up to Individuals Who Undermine Teamwork – Ensuring a cohesive and supportive culture.
6. Develop Executive Presence – Commanding respect and inspiring confidence.
7. Address Conflict Constructively and Timely – Tackling issues proactively and diplomatically.
8. Collaborate with Others – Strengthening teamwork and partnerships.
9. Develop and Link Team Strategy to Business Strategy – Aligning efforts with organizational goals.
10. Stand Up for What I Believe In – Demonstrating authenticity and courage.
11. Hold Others Accountable – Encouraging responsibility and high performance.
12. Present Self with Confidence – Communicating authority and credibility.
13. Focus on the Critical Few Issues – Prioritizing the most impactful initiatives.
14. Become More Assertive – Expressing needs and boundaries effectively.
15. Take Appropriate Risks – Making bold yet calculated decisions.
16. Build Cross-Functional Relationships – Bridging gaps between departments.
17. Become a Better Coach and Mentor – Developing talent and empowering others.
18. Match My Leadership Style to the Specific Needs of Others – Adapting to different situations and individuals.
19. Present My POV Persuasively – Articulating ideas in a compelling way.
20. Become More Decisive – Acting confidently and with conviction.
The Leadership Trap: The Success Delusion
One of the key insights from What Got You Here Won’t Get You There is the Success Delusion – the mistaken belief that past achievements guarantee future success. Goldsmith explains that many high-achieving leaders develop habits that, while once beneficial, now limit their ability to progress.
Some of these habits include:
- Needing to always be right
- Failing to listen
- Withholding recognition
- Passing judgment
- Playing favorites
Without addressing these derailers, even the most talented leaders risk stagnation. This is where Marshall Goldsmith’s Stakeholder Centered Coaching methodology provides a breakthrough approach.
Marshall Goldsmith’s Stakeholder Centered Coaching: A Proven Methodology
Unlike traditional coaching, which often relies solely on leader self-reflection, Stakeholder Centered Coaching actively involves stakeholders in the development process. This approach is built on three key principles:
- Stakeholder Involvement – Feedback is collected from direct reports, peers, and superiors, ensuring a 360-degree perspective on leadership behaviors.
- Feedforward Process – Instead of focusing on past mistakes, the methodology emphasizes actionable suggestions for future improvements.
- Measurable Change – Progress is assessed using ongoing stakeholder feedback, ensuring accountability and sustainable results.
Through regular feedback loops, leaders identify areas for growth and take actionable steps to change behaviours in real time. This iterative process ensures that leadership improvements are not just theoretical but directly impact the workplace.
Going to the Next Level: Sustainable Behaviour Change
Goldsmith’s Stakeholder Centered Coaching methodology has been used successfully by top executives worldwide to create meaningful change. By continuously practicing new leadership behaviours, leaders can:
- Overcome blind spots.
- Build stronger relationships with stakeholders.
- Create a culture of trust and collaboration.
- Enhance leadership effectiveness and business performance.
Join My Stakeholder Centered Coaching Program
As a certified Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered coach, I specialize in guiding leaders through this transformative journey using Marshall Goldsmith’s proven methodology. My Stakeholder Centered Coaching Programme helps leaders:
- Identify limiting behaviours.
- Engage key stakeholders in their growth.
- Implement measurable and sustainable leadership changes.
- Achieve their full leadership potential.
If you’re ready to move beyond past success and unlock your next level of leadership, let’s start a conversation. The best leaders don’t just rely on what got them here – they embrace the journey of continuous growth.
Let’s connect and transform your leadership together.
Blog Photo Credit: Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash