Marshall Goldsmith’s Challenge to Me: Step Up, Stand Out and Lead Boldly

Leaders step up, stand out and lead boldly.

I had the chance to meet and be coached by one of the world’s foremost leadership gurus last week – Marshall Goldsmith. Our conversation wasn’t just inspiring—it was a wake-up call. He didn’t let me off easy. He challenged me—pushed me—to step up, stand out, lead boldly and seek greater impact. That challenge has been on my mind ever since.

One of the reasons for Marshall’s success is his relentless focus on practical actions and disciplined execution. No fluff, just hard work. He has spent years meeting senior leaders where they are, challenging them to rethink their perspectives and level-up their leadership. His mantra, “Be the guru,” resonated deeply, reigniting my passion for lifelong learning and leadership.

Marshall has written or co-written more than 30 books, many of which have shaped the thinking of top leaders worldwide. But it’s not just theory—it’s about action. And that’s exactly where this message is headed.

As we wrap up another week, let’s ask ourselves:

• Did we, as leaders, make a real impact on those around us?

• Did we challenge our teams, elevate our thinking, and push for excellence?

• Did we learn, teach, and—just as importantly—did we make someone laugh?

Leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistent, intentional progress. Small, practical steps taken each day create the momentum that fuels success. That’s why my CAR model—Connect, Appreciate, Recognize—is all about turning insights into action. Marshall’s work reinforced the power of this approach:

1. C – Connect: People need connection. Take a few minutes today to reach out to a teammate you haven’t spoken to in a while—no agenda, no demands, just a simple check-in. This isn’t just good for morale; it also deepens trust. According to a study by the Center for Creative Leadership, leaders who genuinely connect with their teams are far more likely to inspire loyalty and foster open communication.

2. A – Appreciate: Recognition costs nothing but means everything. Acknowledge one customer—internal or external—and simply say, “Thank you.” It’s a small act, but research from Deloitte shows that employees who feel appreciated are 50% more productive and 44% more likely to stay with their employer. Simple gratitude can have an outsized impact.

3. R – Recognize: Spot someone who made a real difference last week, and give them the credit they deserve. It’s easy to overlook the behind-the-scenes efforts that fuel success, but a public recognition can ignite a sense of purpose. Studies show that recognizing and rewarding employees boosts motivation and job satisfaction—two key ingredients for high performance.

   
   

So, as we close out this week, I challenge you—right now—to take action:

1. Who on your team do you need to connect with? Who should you check in on, just because?

2. Which of your customers deserves a note of appreciation? Who have you overlooked in the rush of the week?

3. And who on your team needs to hear “Great job” for something they accomplished?

   
   

Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about impact. The way we show up as leaders shapes our teams, our organizations, and ultimately, the world around us. So let’s go big—not for ourselves, but for those we have the privilege to lead.