The Next Level: What Insiders Know About Executive Success

The transition from a high-performing manager to a strategic executive is a minefield that most people navigate blindly. Scott Eblin nails the 'pick up and let go' philosophy by highlighting that the very skills that earned you a promotion might be the ones holding you back now. I found the nine sets of behaviors incredibly practical because they don't just focus on what to do, but what to stop doing. Operating from a base of confidence is essential, and this book provides the mental framework to achieve that clarity. It is not just about professional development; it is about personal evolution. If you feel like you are running on empty while trying to prove your worth, read this. It will save you from making those career-stalling mistakes that claim 40% of new executives.

Finally, a roadmap that doesn't just tell you to 'work harder' but actually explains how to work differently. Eblin’s concept of 'custom-fit' communication versus the 'one-size-fits-all' approach we often use as managers was a massive 'aha' moment for me. The book challenges you to leave behind the safety of your technical expertise to embrace the ambiguity of true leadership. I loved the emphasis on taking care of yourself physically and mentally to avoid executive burnout. It’s reminiscent of Marshall Goldsmith’s work but feels more tactical and grounded in the day-to-day realities of corporate life. I have already started implementing the nine habits, and the shift in how my peers perceive me is already noticeable. This is mandatory reading for anyone with an eye on the C-suite.

Look, if you're drowning in tactical work while your title says 'Director' or 'VP', you need to stop and read this immediately. This book is essentially a manual on how to stop being a 'doer' and start being a 'leader.' The distinction between picking up new strategic habits and letting go of comfortable technical ones is handled with great nuance. I listened to it on Audible first and then bought a hard copy just so I could dog-ear the 'Situation Solutions Guide.' It is readable, practical, and written by someone who clearly knows the inside of a Fortune 500 boardroom. It’s the kind of book you don’t just read once; you keep it on your desk as a reference for years.

The Executive Success Plan (ESP) included in the appendix is worth the price of the book alone. It provides a concrete framework for navigating the 'uncharted terrain' of high-level leadership. I especially liked how Eblin breaks down the need to move away from 'one-size-fits-all' management. His background as an HR executive shines through in the practical, real-world examples he provides. This isn't just theory; it's a handbook for avoiding the pitfalls that lead to the high failure rate of new executives. By focusing on the broader mission rather than individual ego, Eblin shows you how to lead with clarity and purpose. I’ve recommended this to my entire leadership team because the concepts of delegation and strategic choice are universal.

Picked this up on a recommendation from my mentor during my last promotion cycle. Truth is, moving into a senior role is daunting, and Eblin’s approach to expanding your view—looking left, right, and diagonally—is a game-changer for anyone used to just looking at their direct reports. The Executive Success Plan (ESP) is the highlight of the book for me; it provides a structured way to gather feedback that actually leads to change. My only minor complaint is that the second edition feels a bit repetitive in the middle sections if you’ve already read his blog or the first edition. Still, the new situational guides make it a much more robust reference than most leadership fluff on the market. It is definitely worth the shelf space for a rising leader.

Does your company actually help you grow, or are you just expected to figure out the executive suite on your own? After years of being the 'go-to' person for technical fixes, I felt lost in my new role until I found this book. Eblin’s insistence on looking 'left and right' rather than just 'up and down' changed my entire perspective on stakeholder management. The situational guide in Appendix B is a lifesaver for those moments when you feel like you’re failing and need a quick fix. My only gripe is that the content can feel a bit repetitive if you are an avid reader of leadership literature. However, the structured approach to shedding old habits is exactly what I needed to stop running on empty.

Scott Eblin takes the baton from Marshall Goldsmith and provides a much more tactical 'how-to' guide for the corporate ladder. The central theme—that what got you here won't get you there—is explored through very specific behaviors that are easy to identify but hard to change. I appreciated the focus on group missions over individual agendas, which is where most new VPs stumble. However, a real conundrum remains: you can change your leadership style, but if your company culture doesn't evolve with you, it's an uphill battle. The book doesn't quite solve that organizational hurdle, but it gives you the personal tools to survive it. It is a wise volume to run through before your next big career jump.

As someone who recently moved into a Senior VP role, I found the concept of 'custom-fit' communication particularly enlightening. We often fall into the trap of thinking one style fits every situation, but Eblin proves why that is a career-killer. The book is jam-packed with routines that help you focus on the big picture instead of getting bogged down in the weeds of your department. While the second edition adds some great updated info, it’s mostly the same core message, so don’t expect a total overhaul if you own the original. The real value lies in the appendices and the Executive Success Plan. It’s a pragmatic, no-nonsense guide that feels very relevant in today's fast-paced corporate environment. Highly recommended for the transition phase.

To be fair, the advice here is solid, but the execution felt a bit dry for my taste. While it’s marketed as a guide for anyone moving up, this really targets the VP level and above rather than middle management. If you’re a first-time supervisor, you might find the talk about board meetings and enterprise-wide strategy a bit alienating. I struggled with the linear flow at times, as it felt more like a collection of great blog posts stitched together rather than a single cohesive narrative. It's useful, sure, but expect to do a lot of work to translate these high-level concepts into your daily grind. It's a good book, just not the revolutionary experience I was expecting based on the hype.

Ever wonder if these leadership books are just stating the obvious in a fancy new package? Frankly, Eblin has some great points, but I found the 'nine habits' to be a bit recycled from other popular management texts. It’s a useful volume for executives who are struggling, but if you’ve spent a lot of time in leadership seminars, you might find yourself skimming. The idea of 'picking up and letting go' is solid, yet the book could have been fifty pages shorter without losing much impact. It’s certainly not groundbreaking, though the focus on diagonal networking was a nice touch. It is a decent read for a plane ride, but don't expect it to change your life overnight.