Marshall Goldsmith on Ego
by Bruce Kasanoff
Marshall Goldsmith is the world’s #1 executive coach and is the founder of 100 Coaches, his pay it forward community in which he teaches leading coaches everything he knows for free, on the sole condition that members agree to someday pay it forward in a similar manner. Since 2018, I have been fortunate to be a member of 100 Coaches.
This article begins with an extended quote from Marshall, and then explains how I have incorporated his thoughts into my own executive coaching practice.
“The greatest lesson for any coach, outstanding or otherwise, is to overcome our own ego!” says Marshall.
“The recipe for this disastrously massive ego is simple: We have a sincere desire to help our clients and we care deeply about their development. We know a lot, have great qualifications, and believe in ourselves.
“Unfortunately, these positive qualities can get in our way when it comes to helping!
“The important thing to keep in mind in all of your coaching relationships (and one could might even argue in all of your relationships) is that your client’s (or friend or partner, husband or wife) dedication to change means a whole lot more than your wisdom.”
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Marshall’s wisdom inspired me to launch Selflss, a LinkedIn newsletter whose theme is: when ego leads, progress stalls… let’s move past ego together. To date, it has attracted over 65,000 leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals.
(To remind ourselves to move past ego, I removed the final “e” from “selfless.”)
Here’s an excerpt from what I wrote in the first issue, which launched the newsletter:
The Problem with Ego
The pursuit of personal wealth and power has blinded us to a deeper truth: that we rise or fall together. When ego leads, progress stalls. Even the most celebrated among us can easily be trapped in the corrosive cycle of competition, self-promotion, and control. We get lost in the chase for recognition, and in doing so, we all lose.
We can no longer afford this.
Humanity stands at a crossroads. The challenges we face—climate change, loneliness, divisiveness, social injustice, economic inequality—cannot be solved by an individual. It is only through egoless collaboration that we can unlock the full potential of human innovation and compassion.
Our Vow to Be Selflss
Let's seek to be selflss leaders and collaborators, committed to something larger than ourselves. To replace hubris with humility. To prioritize the greater good over personal gain.
We pledge to create cultures built around the flow state, where work is an expression of purpose, not a vehicle for ego. Whether we’re eating a sandwich or taking a company public, every moment holds the potential for beauty and meaning.
There are no small moments in an expansive life.
We vow to serve, not sell. To place people over profits, value over vanity. As trusted advisors and advocates, we will give generously of our knowledge and resources, knowing that loyalty and trust are the true currencies of progress.
We choose clarity as our superpower. In a world muddied by complexity and confusion, we will speak with precision and purpose. Clarity cuts through chaos and drives real change. We owe it to ourselves—and to each other—to be clear in our vision, our values, and our intent.
Rebelling Against Mediocrity
We reject mediocrity. The pull of complacency is a slow death to ambition and innovation. In a world that encourages playing it safe, we will dare to take risks. To occasionally fail spectacularly in pursuit of something extraordinary.
We will constantly challenge the status quo, even when it’s uncomfortable. (Especially when it’s uncomfortable.) This is where breakthroughs happen. This is how we push humanity forward.
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In everything I do, my goal is to be confident and self-assured, but not driven by ego. Fortunately, I have had a lot of training in this regard. For over a decade, I was a ghostwriter and my best work was published in someone else’s name. Did it bother me? Not at all. To the contrary, I experienced great satisfaction magnifying the talent and reach of my clients… just as I do today as an executive coach.
I am Bruce Kasanoff, an executive coach who doesn't take much of your time or money, but seeks to make a lasting difference in your life. Set up an introductory call with me.