So what is all the fuss about?

I always find it interesting when non-Christian material focuses on Christian values like love, humility and discipline. Goldsmith tells leaders in this book that, when they receive feedback on how to improve or concerning some weakness, they should "shut up and say thank you." Meanwhile, most Christian leadership material would tell those trying to give such feedback to "shut up and touch not God's anointed." That's why I read a lot more secular leadership books than so-called Christian.

Unlike some of the other books I've reviewed, I think these two will appeal particularly to men: What Got You Here Won't Get You There "

A frequent interviewee in major business magazines like Fortune, Goldsmith - with the sage help and advice of his collaborator Reiter - pens a self-help career book, filled with disguised anecdotes and candid dialogue, all soon slated for best-sellerdom. His steps in coaching for success are simple, honest, without artifice: Gather feedback from appropriate colleagues and cohorts, determine which behavior(s) to change (and remember, the author specifically focuses on behavior, not skills or knowledge), apologize, advertise, listen, thank, follow-up, and practice feed-forward.

Admittedly, this shrewd organizational psychologist only works with those leaders whom he knows will listen, follow advice, and change - especially considering that he doesn't receive fees until improvements are secure and visible. On the other hand, these are words and processes anyone will benefit from - whether wannabe manager or senior executive.