Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile Storytelling from the Trenches Episode Summary: BONUS - Marshall Goldsmith on Leadership, AI, and Coaching for the Future Release Date: December 7, 2024
Introduction to Marshall Goldsmith
In this bonus episode of the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast, host Vasco Duart welcomes renowned leadership thinker and executive coach, Marshall Goldsmith. With a stellar reputation as a bestselling author and a top-rated executive coach, Goldsmith brings a wealth of experience to the discussion on leadership and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in coaching.
Marshall Goldsmith’s Journey into Leadership Coaching
Marshall Goldsmith begins by recounting the pivotal moments that steered him into leadership development and coaching. Reflecting on his early career, Goldsmith shares:
[02:21] Marshall Goldsmith:
"There are two things that happened, and number one, I've been phenomenally lucky... I met Dr. Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard, the inventors of situational leadership. I seized the opportunity to learn by doing, even stepping in to present when both were unavailable. This led to my first coaching engagement, where I committed to only getting paid upon successful improvement of my clients."
Goldsmith emphasizes the importance of accountability and the client-centric approach that has defined his coaching philosophy for over four decades.
Counterintuitive Insights on Leadership
Goldsmith delves into two main counterintuitive aspects of leadership that challenge conventional wisdom:
1. The Primacy of the Coachee
[06:36] Marshall Goldsmith:
"The number one variable for successful coaching is not the coach. It is the person being coached."
Using Alan Mullally’s transformation at Ford as an example, Goldsmith illustrates that the effectiveness of coaching hinges more on the coachee’s qualities than on the coach’s methods. He underscores that great coaches work with great people, fostering their inherent strengths rather than imposing their own agendas.
2. The Paradox of "Winning Too Much"
[07:22] Marshall Goldsmith:
"Winning too much... Winners love winning. Everyone I coach is a winner. It's hard for winners not to win."
Goldsmith explains that relentless striving to win can lead to strained relationships and personal dissatisfaction. He provides relatable scenarios, such as disagreements over trivial choices, to demonstrate how excessive competitiveness can undermine personal and professional harmony.
Integrating AI into Leadership Coaching
A significant portion of the episode explores Goldsmith’s innovative use of AI through his project, MarshallGoldsmithAI. This initiative aims to extend his coaching legacy by making his insights accessible to a broader audience.
Capabilities and Limitations of AI Coaching
[11:39] Marshall Goldsmith:
"My coaching process is always going to work. You work with the wrong people, it is never going to work... Your whole job is to work with great people."
Goldsmith discusses how AI can enhance leadership coaching by providing instant access to vast amounts of knowledge and facilitating deeper exploration of complex topics. He acknowledges the current limitations, such as the lack of humor and the inherent biases in AI models, emphasizing that AI excels in information sharing but cannot replace the nuanced human element of coaching.
Practical Applications and Real-Life Examples
Goldsmith shares real-life instances where his AI bot assisted leaders:
[17:14] Marshall Goldsmith:
"For example, Dr. Patrick Freus, head of Rady Children's Hospital, used MarshallBot to navigate the complexities of co-CEO leadership during a major merger. The bot provided detailed insights on setting boundaries, demonstrating AI’s potential to support strategic decision-making."
He highlights how AI can complement traditional coaching by offering quick, accurate responses to specific leadership challenges, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of human coaches.
The Future of AI in Leadership
Goldsmith envisions a future where AI plays a pivotal role in leadership development:
[24:12] Marshall Goldsmith:
"This is knowledge and information sharing. That's the future. People like me who are thought leaders developing AI products... Just very time-consuming and tedious compared to AI’s capabilities."
He anticipates that AI will revolutionize how leaders access and apply knowledge, making continuous learning more efficient and tailored to individual needs.
Interactive Demonstration with AI Bot
In a live demonstration, Goldsmith and Duart interact with the AI bot, showcasing its ability to generate tailored leadership advice:
[30:09] Marshall Goldsmith:
"What are the three most important lessons that Scrum Masters can learn from Marshall's work?"
The AI generates thoughtful responses aligned with Goldsmith’s philosophies, illustrating how specialized AI can provide nuanced and relevant insights beyond generic answers.
Final Advice and Personal Reflections
As the episode concludes, Goldsmith imparts profound life and leadership lessons:
[38:15] Marshall Goldsmith:
"Take a deep breath. Imagine you're 95 years old and about to die. What advice would that wise old person give you? Here are three themes: Be happy now, cherish friends and family over climbing the success ladder, and pursue your dreams without delay."
His advice emphasizes mindfulness, the importance of relationships, and the courage to follow one's aspirations, resonating deeply with both personal and professional aspects of life.
Conclusion
Vasco Duart wraps up the episode by highlighting the transformative potential of AI in leadership coaching and encouraging listeners to explore MarshallGoldsmithAI:
[36:55] Marshall Goldsmith:
"I'm glad you asked me this question. I wasn't going to do it. You got to push me to do it."
Goldsmith reiterates the accessibility of his AI project, inviting leaders and aspiring coaches to leverage this tool for continuous improvement.
Key Takeaways
- Client-Centric Coaching: The success of coaching lies in the qualities and receptiveness of the coachee rather than the coach’s prowess.
- Letting Go of the Need to Win: Excessive competitiveness can hinder personal growth and relational harmony.
- AI as a Supplementary Tool: AI can significantly enhance leadership coaching by providing rapid, insightful information, though it cannot replace the human touch.
- Future of Leadership Development: AI will increasingly play a crucial role in how leaders learn, grow, and adapt in a rapidly changing world.
- Personal Reflection: Embracing mindfulness, valuing relationships, and pursuing dreams are essential for both personal fulfillment and effective leadership.
Notable Quotes
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Marshall Goldsmith on Luck and Opportunity:
"I've been phenomenally lucky... I just learned on the job, and it led me into leadership development and coaching." [02:21]
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On Coaching Accountability:
"Pay only after the results. My whole coaching was done." [04:20]
-
On Leadership Focus:
"Leadership... for the great leader, it's about them. Don't make it about you and your own ego." [06:48]
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On AI’s Role in Coaching:
"It's mind blowing. My daughter Kelly... asked my computer bot how my coaching is related to utilitarian philosophy, and it answered in my voice with almost perfect accuracy." [15:13]
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Final Life Advice:
"Be happy now. Learning through helping others and going after your dreams are what truly matter." [38:15]
Further Resources
- MarshallGoldsmith AI: marshallgoldsmithAI.com – Access Marshall Goldsmith’s AI coaching tool.
- Marshall Goldsmith’s Official Website: marshallgoldsmith.com – Explore more about his work and resources.
- LinkedIn: Follow Marshall Goldsmith for updates and insights – Marshall Goldsmith on LinkedIn
Closing Remarks
Marshall Goldsmith’s insightful discussion with Vasco Duart highlights the evolving landscape of leadership coaching, underscored by the integration of AI. By blending traditional coaching principles with cutting-edge technology, Goldsmith offers a visionary approach to developing effective and adaptive leaders for the future.
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