Podcast Summary: Success Story with Scott D. Clary

Episode Title: Lessons - Can Leadership Be Taught? Transform Your Executive Presence | Marshall Goldsmith - Executive Coach & Leadership Expert
Release Date: March 6, 2025

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of the Success Story Podcast, host Scott D. Clary engages in a deep conversation with renowned executive coach and leadership expert, Marshall Goldsmith. The discussion centers around the teachability of leadership, the disparities between academic theories and real-world business challenges, and the intricacies of coaching both corporate leaders and entrepreneurs. Throughout the episode, Goldsmith shares his extensive experience and insights into behavioral change and effective leadership development.

Bridging the Gap Between Academia and the Real World

The episode opens with Scott questioning whether the materials taught in academic settings effectively prepare individuals for real-world leadership roles, especially for entrepreneurs. Marshall Goldsmith candidly addresses this gap:

"There's a total disconnect. Very few people in the academic world have any idea about business at all anymore... getting a degree in wisdom. They acquire wisdom to acquire wisdom, get degrees to get degrees. They're not the same thing."
(07:40)

Goldsmith emphasizes that academic environments often prioritize research over practical business skills, leading to a misalignment between education and the needs of entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurs vs. Corporate Leaders

Scott delves into the differences between coaching Fortune 500 executives and early-stage entrepreneurs. Goldsmith highlights several key distinctions:

"If you're the founder and it's your idea and it's your baby, it is hard to let go... It's hard not to be right."
(11:09)

He points out that entrepreneurs frequently lack backgrounds in people management, often coming from technical fields like engineering or science. This contrasts with corporate CEOs, who typically possess business-oriented educational backgrounds and are adept at delegation and scaling operations.

Can Leadership Be Taught?

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the nature of leadership—whether it's an innate trait or a skill that can be developed. Goldsmith offers a nuanced perspective:

"All leaders are born. 100% of every leader I met has been born. So they're all born. The thing is, leaders can get better."
(13:01)

He asserts that while leadership qualities may be inherent, the refinement and enhancement of these skills are very much achievable through dedicated effort and effective coaching.

Marshall Goldsmith’s Stakeholder Centered Coaching System

Goldsmith introduces his proprietary coaching methodology, Stakeholder Centered Coaching, designed to facilitate positive behavioral changes in leaders. He outlines the system’s core components:

1. Comprehensive Feedback Collection:

   "In my job, I interview everyone around my clients. I develop a confidential profile. Here's what you're doing well. Here's what you're not doing well."
   (20:49)

2. Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging stakeholders to provide honest and constructive feedback.

3. Behavioral Focus:

   "I help great people achieve positive change in their behavior."
   (18:52)

4. Feedforward Process: Encouraging leaders to seek input on future improvements rather than dwelling on past mistakes.

Goldsmith emphasizes the importance of accountability and continuous improvement, ensuring that changes are not only initiated but also sustained over time.

Choosing the Right Coach: Red Flags and Success Indicators

When asked about distinguishing effective coaches from those who might not deliver tangible results, Goldsmith provides valuable criteria:

"If that's not what you want, don't use my system. The system works because it's simple and transferable."
(20:52)

He advises prospective clients to seek coaches who are committed to facilitating genuine behavioral change and to be wary of those who make grandiose promises without a proven framework. Goldsmith's success is attributed to his structured approach and relentless follow-up, ensuring that clients stay on track toward their leadership goals.

Challenges in Leadership Development

Goldsmith candidly discusses situations where his coaching system may not be effective:

"I don't work with people that don't care. If they don't want to change, I don't care."
(23:29)

He underscores that motivation must come from the individual seeking change, and external coaching can only guide but not instigate desire for improvement.

Key Takeaways

1. Leadership Development Requires Practical Application: Academic knowledge alone is insufficient for real-world leadership challenges. Practical experience and behavioral coaching are essential.

2. Entrepreneurs Face Unique Challenges: Unlike corporate leaders, entrepreneurs often struggle with delegation and people management, necessitating tailored coaching approaches.

3. Leadership Can Be Enhanced Through Coaching: While innate traits play a role, effective coaching systems like Stakeholder Centered Coaching can significantly improve leadership behaviors.

4. Choose Coaches with Proven Systems: Success in leadership coaching is highly dependent on the methodologies employed. Structured, feedback-driven systems yield the best results.

5. Commitment to Change is Crucial: The effectiveness of coaching hinges on the leader's willingness to embrace and implement change.

Conclusion

This episode offers a profound exploration of the complexities involved in teaching and developing leadership skills. Marshall Goldsmith’s insights shed light on the critical differences between academic theories and the dynamic demands of real-world business leadership. Aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs alike can benefit from understanding the value of structured coaching and the importance of continual behavioral improvement to achieve sustained success.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Academia vs. Real World:

  "There's a total disconnect... they're not reinforced for that. They're reinforced for basically doing research."
  (07:40)

• On Leadership Traits:

  "All leaders are born... The thing is, leaders can get better."
  (13:01)

• On Coaching System:

  "I help great people achieve positive change in their behavior."
  (18:52)

• On Motivation:

  "If they don't want to change, I don't care... It's okay."
  (23:29)

For More Information

To dive deeper into Marshall Goldsmith’s methodologies and insights on leadership, visit MarshallGoldsmith.com and explore his range of books and resources designed to transform executive presence and drive organizational success.