The Marshall Goldsmith Library

This is the third of a multi-part series where I’m introducing readers to some of my favorite (as well as free) outstanding leadership development resources and experts.

If I had to pick the top 5 individuals that taught me the most about leadership development, Marshall Goldsmith would be one of them.

I first got to know Marshall over 19 years ago, when he was did leadership assessment and development work for the company I worked for at the time. Since then, I've been reading his books, articles, watching him speak, following his blog, and I'm proud to say I'm on his Holiday card list. I feel like I've watched his kids grow up, as they're always in the picture.

Marshall's got one of those bios that take up more than a page, but here's a few highlights:

• In November 2009 he was recognized as one of the fifteen most influential business thinkers in the world in the bi-annual study sponsored by The (London) Times and Forbes.
• The American Management Association named Marshall as one of 50 great thinkers and leaders who have influenced the field of management over the past 80 years.
• Major business press acknowledgments include: BusinessWeek – most influential practitioners in the history leadership development, Wall Street Journal - top ten executive educators, Forbes - five most-respected executive coaches, Leadership Excellence – top five thinkers on leadership, Economic Times (India) – top CEO coaches of America, Economist (UK) - most credible executive advisors in the new era of business and Fast Company - America’s preeminent executive coach.
• Marshall is one of a select few advisors who have been asked to work with over 120 major CEOs and their management teams.
• He has been a volunteer teacher for US Army Generals, Navy Admirals, Girl Scout executives, International and American Red Cross leaders – where he was a National Volunteer of the Year.

This list of achievements and involvement in leadership development go on and on.

I have just about every one of his books, including: What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, Succession: Are You Ready?, The Leader of the Future, and The Organization of the Future 2. 

I just purchased his brand new book, Mojo: How to Get It, How to Keep It, How to Get It Back if You Lose It.

Most of what Marshall writes and speaks about comes from his first-hand experience as an executive coach for some of the world's most influential leaders. He's able to translate that wisdom and skill in a way that's funny, authentic, and practical.

In additional to possibly hiring Marshall as a coach or speaker (if you're fortunate to be the recipient of economic stimulus money), he's also been willing to give a lot of his work away through The Marshall Goldsmith Library. I love this website - I use the articles and videos all the time for IDPs, coaching, and training.

This free library gives you access to:

• free articles that you can download, share, and do whatever you want with
• free videos from Athena Online, Linkage, and Success Television
• podcasts
• an HRB blog
• a newsletter
• thought leader teleforums

If you're a leader that striving to improve, or someone who's dedicated to the development and success of leaders, then this is a website you'll want to bookmark.

I'm heading to Greensboro, North Carolina for the next couple days for my first visit to The Center for Creative Leadership. I'm think I have my part 4 of the series lined up.....