The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive - A Leadership Fable

Patrick has a knack for making business reading enjoyable, and making the heart of the message clear. Even when the truth is hard to face, this book won't let you leave without wanting to deal with your team's underlying issues. Every leader should read this book.

This book has some good conceptual ideas that are worth the read. Where the book falls down is in the contrived story that two leaders take to illustrate the concepts. The story is somewhat believable except for the consistent good leader bad leader contrast. The story creates a situation where a potential candidate happens to meet the good leader at the bad leaders office during an interview.

The book has some good concepts, the author just needs to find another vehicle to communicate the message.

This is one in a series of "leadership fables" in which Patrick Lencioni shares his thoughts about the contemporary business world. His characters are fictitious human beings rather than anthropomorphic animals, such as a tortoise that wins a race against a hare or pigs that lead a revolution to overthrow a tyrant and seize control of his farm.

In this instance, Lencioni focuses on a common business problem for or challenge to leaders: How to identify "a reasonable number of issues that will have the greatest possible impact on the success of [their] organization, and then spend most [their] time thinking about, talking about, and working on those issues." Presumably Lencioni agrees with Stephen Covey (among others) that executives tend to spend too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important. Of course, that sets a bad example for their direct reports. Viewed another way, some obsessions are productive...others are not. Extraordinary executives know the differences between the two types.

Here's the fictitious situation. Lencioni introduces CEOs of two rival firms in the Bay Area, Vince Green (Greenwich Consulting) and Rich O'Connor (Telegraph Partners) who have quite different obsessions: Green's are best revealed within the book's narrative; Green's are directly or indirectly the result what could be described as Greenwich Consulting's organizational inferiority complex insofar as Telegraph Partners is concerned. There is an early and significant development when O'Connor - struggling to cope with the pressures of trying to balance his family and his successful but demanding business - experiences what Lencioni characterizes as an "epiphany": the recognition of four basis activities ("disciplines, really") that guide and inform his leadership of Telegraph Partners thereafter. "He never certainly suspected that [his list of what become leadership obsessions] would become the blue-print of an employee's plan to destroy the firm."

Almost immediately, it becomes obvious that a new hire, Jamie Bender, "didn't seem to share the hunger and humility of his colleagues" at Telegraph Partners and that is a key point for reasons also best revealed within Lencioni's narrative. Recognizing the mistake, O'Connor must decide how to correct it. Over time, he and his colleagues become infected by what Lencioni describes as a "virus." What then happens - and does not happen - throughout the ensuing weeks allow Lencioni to dramatize both the importance of the four "obsessions of an extraordinary executive" to which the title of his book refers and the consequences when any one of them is compromised. He is a brilliant business thinker but he also possesses the skills of a master raconteur, introducing a cast of characters, conflicts between and among them, and then allowing "rising action" build to a climax (i.e. resolution) also best revealed within the narrative.

Of special interest to me is a conversation between Bender and Green when Bender explains each of the four disciplines with which O'Connor is obsessed. This conversation occurs late in the narrative and indicates that Bender understands the four disciplines and yet is unwilling and/or unable to master and then follow them. (This strikes me as an excellent example of what Jeffrey Pfeffer and Robert I. Sutton characterize as the "Knowing-Doing Gap.") Bender's explanation seems somewhat didactic to me but, nonetheless, serves as a means by which Lencioni can summarize his key points. He adds a nice dramatic touch when O'Connor appears at Green's office and there is a brief encounter between him and Bender before he and Green meet. Although they and other executives are fictitious characters, each is credible as a human being rather than as a literary device.

As is Lencioni's custom in each of the other volumes in the series of "leadership fables," he then provides an "Organizational Health: The Model" section and supplementary material (Pages 139-180) whose value-added benefits will help his reader to make effective application of the lessons learned from the experiences shared by Rich O'Connor and his colleagues at Telegraph Partners as well as from what Vince Green finally realizes about himself and about the consequences of his own obsessions.

Those who share my high regard for this volume are urged to check out Patrick Lencioni's other "leadership fables" as well as Michael Ray's The Highest Goal, David Maister's Practice What You Preach, Bill George's Authentic Leadership and his more recently published True North, James O'Toole's Creating the Good Life, and Michael Maccoby's Narcissistic Leaders.

I've previously read Death By Meeting by Patrick Lencioni. I really connect with his ability to tell an engaging story which communicates the point. He then spends the last third of this book describing the four principals and how to put them into practice within the organization.

The four disciplines of a healthy organization are:

1. Build and Maintain a Cohesive Leadership Team
2. Create Organizational Clarity
3. Over-Communicate Organizational Clarity
4. Reinforce Organizational Clarity Through Human Systems

While there is a very big focus on executive teams and high level managers, this book can be used for leaders who are putting together smaller teams. The truth is that at every level of the organization there need to be teams who understand the values and are comfortable with each-other.

I especially appreciated Patrick's explanation of how to define clarity and communicating vision and mission. I also appreciated his focus on how important a healthy organization is, even more important than higher revenue and large clients.

I also appreciated that there were a few concrete examples provides as well as questions to help us define our own answers and to model our organization.

This is definitely a great read for anyone who manages teams of people or defines the direction of an organization.

This book is Lencioni's second leadership fable. Weaving a story around a set of principles can be an effective teaching technique, and Lencioni is skillful in the art of moral-based storytelling.
The first 136 pages of the book are consumed in telling the story of a CEO who discovered an effective way to lead his organization. The basis of the approach is a set of four disciplines, which are not revealed to the reader until the problem scenario has been established. This sequencing is valuable, since it forces the reader to come to grips with the real-life experiences of the characters of the story. The plot is intriguing.
The engaging tale holds the reader's attention strongly enough that there is minimal temptation to read ahead to see if the butler did it. The lure of the story holds your attention. The realistic scenes and dialog give an "edge" to the story; you forget you're reading a business book. It's not difficult at all to relate to each of the characters, even to the extent, perhaps, of identifying some of the characters with colleagues at work in your own organization. But there are surprises, so don't think you can second-guess this book.
The story told, the author changes hats on page 137 to slide into the role of consultant and teacher. He explains the four disciplines through a narrative style that I'd liken to a friend sitting across the table from you. But then the questions start. Lots of questions . . . and answers. This effective consulting style comes naturally: Lencioni is president of a consulting firm in the San Francisco area.
I recommend this book for CEOs, company owners, and consultants who serve them. You'll learn some interesting principles and how to convey them, but you'll also learn from the experience of reading the fable. Those who want to improve their communication of leadership concepts will benefit from the way Lencioni wove his story.
Short book, big lessons.
No, I didn't tell you the what the four disciplines are. I don't want to spoil it for you. Give into the temptation: read this book.

Patrick Lencioni, utilizing his engaging fable-as-lesson writing style, covers his view of the four "Disciplines" of a healthy organization in "The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive." The fable...and the "Model" underlying the fable...stresses the importance of clarity in a healthy organization.

As in a number of Lencioni's other books, the simplicity of the framework covered in this book is stressed...as is the difficulty in actually implementing the framework.

I found this book a worthwhile read due to its simplicity, its straightforward messages and its blending of a story with managerial ideas. Furthermore, I appreciated the fact that the principles espoused in the book are laid out in a manner that directly connects the managerial ideas to actions that can be taken within an organization.

One of the series of leadership fables, Patrick Lencioni did not disappoint with this fable. As with The Five Temptations of a CEO: A Leadership Fable and Death by Meeting: A Leadership Fable...About Solving the Most Painful Problem in Business, just to name a few, Patrick Lencioni weaves an intrigue into a management lesson. Chapter by chapter you read to enjoy the story and never realize what business lessons are being planted into your mind for future reference.

It takes great talent to do this, not only once but at least 5 times. All in the series are great reads. The stories you want to read again and again. The best part is that you can complete your initial reading in one, maybe two hours time. Needless to day, as a study of business management, you want to use the books as training material for your leadership development and business skills education.

I enjoyed this style so much, I used it to tell my story for women wanting to break the glass ceiling. The leadership fable works, inspires and entertains. It inspired me to write A Woman's Ladder to Success Is Paved with Broken Glass Ceilings. Maybe it will inspire you to be a better leader, visionary, author.

Easy to read, well written, a page turner. It also contains a few profound thoughts--namely the four disciplines:

1) Build and Maintain a Cohesive Leadership Team

2) Create Organizational Clarity

3) Over-Communicate Organization Clarity

4) Reinforce Organizational Clarity Through Human Systems.

The fable does a great job illustrating the meaning and application of these four disciplines. Unfortunately it stops at that. There is no appendix referencing facts, studies or collaborative evidence proving that these four obsessions really work as illustrated. (Other research based material I've read does back it up) Not including a "hardcore" chapter in this volume definitely lowers the quality of the book. But, overall I still found it an excellent book, well worth my time.

This is a good book for people who like parables. The fable centers around an unfocused man swamped by rivalry, envy, manipulation and betrayal. He never sees that his most threatening rival, though not as flashy as he is, has the stick-to-it commitment of a carnival pony that would continue walking the same tight circle even if someone took off its harness. To succeed, you need that kind of persistence plus a few straightforward disciplines including internal unity, clear purpose, open communication and personnel policies that reflect your values. In short, if you pick key disciplines and stick to them, you'll go far. You've heard this sweet if shallow lesson before, in the fable of the tortoise and the hare. That fable endured for centuries because it puts a simple truth in a few words using a vivid analogy. That is the kind of veracity this book is aiming for and though it may achieve a shorter reach, its wrap-up analysis and work sheets extend its practicality. We recommend its bolstering message - if not its simplistic structure - to managers who like metaphors.

Although The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive: A Leadership Fable was published in 2000 it is still the very best companion to Jim Collins' Good to Great. Lencioni's parable illustrates better than any other book the simple but powerful principles of building and maintaining a cohesive leadership team, creating organizational clarity, the importance of over-communicating organizational clarity, and reinforcing that clarity through human systems. This is a book that I read every year. It is one of my most "marked-up" books (the front and back flyleaves are covered with notes and quotes). If you haven't picked this one up you've missed one of Lencioni's very best.

You may not necessarily agree that the "four obsessions" highlighted by the author are equivalently applicable to every case and organization, but regardless of their ranking and priority, you will be hard-pressed to argue against them: build a cohesive leadership team; create organization clarity; over-communicate; reinforce clarity through human systems.

"The Four Obsessions" is a light read and a great story - great book which serves to remind you of what to look for and what to work on in your own enterprise.

This book offers executives and business owners guidance on how to design and maintain an effective and efficient organization. The author decided to apply a fable format, similar to the business classic "The Goal," to drive the ideas home. The fable dramatizes two competing firms where one owner has incorrectly identified his competitive advantage. The fable is based on a clueless HR executive's experience and description of what he thinks is a dysfunctional team at one firm as he attempts to wiggle his way into a job at the competing firm.

For some this may be an effective method. For others like me you will have no need for the fable. While the fable format worked very well in "The Goal" it seems superfluous here. For those of you that have been in business for a while you will already know all too well the elements and characteristics of a functional and dysfunctional team highlighted in the fable. Furthermore, you know that some effective elements and structure exist --after all, why did you pick up this book? Even though it is a quick and easy read, for those with little time or care to delve into the fable, I recommend that you just skip right to the section (p 139 - p 180) called "Putting The Disciplines Into Practice: A Summary And Self Assessment." This pamphlet-sized section is the information you are after and it does offer some nice insight and clarity to building an effective and efficient team. Much of the information will be ideas or concepts that you have heard before, maybe many times, through coworkers, b-school, management seminars, etc. However, the author is correct in identifying the lack of true implementation, clarity, and consistency in most organizations.

Ideas are easy, implementation is very hard, and sustaining an effective organization is accomplished by few. All too often executives place themselves above a certain task or participation in a certain level of interview. How often have you been with a VP and he or she will take a call or check email during a meeting, or interrupt someone trying to make a point because they are impatient or think they know where something is leading, or offer cross messages by doing something not consistent with the organization's values, or assume everyone knows the company values, or well there are million examples. The results can be very damaging to an organization. And that is the point of this book. The higher the executive the more important the need for the basics: clarity, trust, focus, consistency, and communication. In the end this is a recommendable book.

Hands down one of the best business writers of the 21st century. He writes these fiction stories but equates the business principles in such a way that its very easy to digest and understand. READ ALL OF HIS BOOKS!

You will not be disappointed. They are fast reads too.

Patrick Lencioni has written a class A book in "Obsessions". I am a student at Cornell University and wrote a review of the book for a class in Organizational Development. As I was reading I was struck by the intuitive nature of the book and the simplicity of the disciplines, but as I read further the problems that arise in sticking to the disciplines is where the true test is. Creating an organization that is healthy requires dedication and courage. In the development of any organization these disciplines can be utilized to create an environment with clear lines of communication, established goals and direction, and autonomous workers who feel a sense of confidence in their ability to make decisions that coincide with the goals and values of the organization as a whole.
Taking rather abstract ideas and molding them into a message resulting in successful leadership is the goal of any organizational change effort. As consultants, we strive to develop the leadership, within our guidelines, to run an organization more efficiently. This book provides applicable guidelines for leaders to follow that ultimately lead to a healthier organization, the goal of any organizational change effort.

Patrick Lencioni has once again presented a concise, compelling, simple, and wise look at the role of a leader in an organization. 5 temptations of a CEO, a title I felt should have been 5 temptations of any manager, was a much needed look at the insecurities that hit once we are in charge. The trouble I had with that book, and the author deserves no blame for this, is that the individuals who truly needed it would probably not recognize their areas for improvement.
Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive answers that need. I am sure that all executives, all of us, feel extraordinary. We will pick this book up expecting a pat on the back for a job well done. Instead, this book challenges the role of the leader and presents 4 disciplines that should be at the Heart of any World Class organization. In fable format, which is far less threatening, and much more enjoyable to read, Lencioni shares the 4 simple disciplines of healthy organizations- 4.Reinforcing Clarity through Human Systems- 3.Overcommunicate Organizational Clarity- 2. Create Organizational Clarity- 1.Build and Maintain a Cohesive Leadership Team
It is impossible to read this book and not learn from the past experiences that one has as a leader. It also reminds the reader that it is at the very top that an organization derives it's health. Without leadership committed to health, the organization will never find it.
For all the leaders out there, buy this book, open your mind and read it. You may have to face some tough truths, but the individuals who work for you, will thank you for it.

An extremely interesting fable narrating the success techniqes adopted by an extraordinary executive. A 'must read' for all open-minded company chiefs who aspire to take their team and their company to greater heights using simple but effective management principles.
The author definitely excels in the art of story telling which makes the book readable and leaves the reader with plenty of food for thought. The central character in the book, Rich O'Connor, lists his four mantras on a piece of yellow paper taped to his desk such that he is constantly reminded about observing them strictly all the time. It is these four obsessions that confirm his strong sense of commitment to his company -The Telegraph making it a cut above the competition.The message driven home is rather than being obsessed with what your competitor is doing, concentrate on what you have to do to reach and retain the Number 1 slot in your industry.

Pat Lencioni has done it again! "Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive" is an engaging leadership fable based on four impactful leadership principles we should all have written on our yellow pads. Through the growth and experiences of Telegraph Partners' CEO, Rich O'Connor, Lencioni illustrates how powerful a values-based culture led from the top can be. More importantly, he shows us how much personal sacrifice and courage it takes for leaders to run such a marathon.
Similar to my experience with Lencioni's earlier fable, "The Five Temptations of a CEO," I found myself reading the book in a single sitting and trying to apply Pat's coaching almost immediately in my personal and professional life. Both "Obsessions" and "Temptations" should be required reading for every leader striving to become better.

A simple yet intriguing story that had me hooked from the beginning. As I read with eagerness and anticipation the plights of Rich O'Conner and Vince Green I awaited to discover the "Four Obsessions". Lencioni is a fabulous and effective story teller. He uses story to help the reader experience the emotions of the scenario. This is powerful because all too often leadership books focus on communicating with the head in isolation. Lencioni beautifully captures both the head and heart of the reader. I felt the anguish and aspirations experienced by the two main characters, while at the same time found myself in my head, problem solving, working out what I thought the issues were.
To my dismay, the revealing of the "Four Obsessions": 1. Build and maintain a cohesive leadership team; 2. Create organizational clarity; 3. Over-communicate organizational clarity; 4. Reinforce organizational clarity through human systems, fell short of expectations. Simply yet profound, truth often falls short of our expectations because we expect deeply profound and complicated answers to issues of relational concern.
I believe this is an excellent tool to begin conversations of organizational health and wellbeing with leaders that may not be readily open to this. I would recommend it to leaders at any level of an organization who are struggling with problems and are unaware the true nature of there issue begins with relationships.

Well written, enjoyable with a real message. Just about everyone I know has done Myers-Briggs or some form of self-analysis and not one of them has an understanding of anyone else's profile within their immediate work team. If the only good thing to come out of this book was cross sharing to help internal communication that would be enough but Leoncioni gives lots more. The character of Jamie is a bit scary and perhaps the reader is meant to identify with him (in part) in the early stages of the book and then drift away later. In a nutshell, my problem is that any form of cultural change starts from the very top of the tree and your CEO will need to both read the book and commit to actually applying it and not just give lip service to a great concept.

Maybe a Christmas gift idea for the man who runs the company ?

Usually when I read someone try to describe what business meetings are like I just roll my eyes. It's never realistic because I guess most authors either aren't businessmen or aren't good at writing about it. Lencioni does it right. I like the way he describes how to grow a healthy company in the context of an interesting novel -- it makes it easier to absorb and appreciate the theory when it's being acted out "in real life." It's a good read, and lays out a powerful (but practical!) set of managment techniques. Hats off!

This is an extremely easy (and quick) read, and is very entertaining. If you are looking for a tool to begin transforming your executive team into extraordinary leaders, this is the book you want to read and use. This should become required reading for your executive team...and they will actually enjoy it! After entertaining you with his "leadership fable", Patrick Lencioni provides practical, realistic methods by which you can apply the lessons learned. This is a not just another management book...this is a TOOL that you can put to work for your organization.

Being a student on the verge of graduation, I found Lencioni's words to be more insightful and entertaining than any organizational lecture I have ever heard. Thanks to the four disciplines, Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive has helped me to clearly define the type of organization I want to work for after graduation. This book, along with The Five Temptations of a CEO, is something I am recommending to all my classmates, professors and co-workers.

I feel that everyone has something to gain from reading this book. It's concise, to the point and a quick read. The four disciplines are demonstrated with an easy to follow story. It looks great on paper, I can't wait until I get to put what I have learnt fron this book to practise. At this point in time, I am a bit sceptical, that these 4 extremely simple disciplines when practised consistently and diligently, can really work. I almost believe it. I want to believe it. Experience, will tel you that great things can be ahceived by teams that are aligned to the same purpose and goals.

After having read Lencioni's first book, "The Five Temptations of a CEO", I was thrilled to learn that he had written a successor. Once again, I'm truly amazed at Lencioni's profound insights and the simplicity of his theories. According to the author, there are truly only four things that should keep me, as a leader, up at night in order to sustain a successful organization. The rest can and should be delegated to my able team. I wish he had written "Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive" years ago!

Once again the fable format of Pat Lencioni serves as an idea delivery method for some profound executive learning points. The story was engaging and memorable. Consequently, the four disciplines model was easily recounted by my management team in conversation weeks after reading the book. I recommend Lencioni's latest work as well as his initial book, The Five Temptations of a CEO, for fostering meaningful discussions on leadership and corporate values among any management or supervisory team.

This book distills the critical elements of running any organization, large or small. As someone who is contemplating running a small business, this book gave me a solid understanding of areas I need to focus on right out of the gate. The concepts were simple to understand and the book itself was a pleasure to read. One of the first things I will do with my new business partner is clarify the questions listed under discipline 2!

This fictional tale about two leaders was both entertaining and enlightening. His writing style is a welcomed departure from all the bland textbook-like management books. I was able to relate to the characters and start applying the four "disciplines" with my staff immediately. The model and application tools in the back of the book were extremely helpful. I highly recommend this book!

Lencioni's book extols the benefits of organizational clarity and is, in fact, written as a very clear and interesting tale of two competing organizations. "Obsessions.." stimulates thought and will motivate action for anyone responsible for the well being of their organization. Lencioni relays new insigts in each chapter. This book is a good read.

All three of Pat Lencioni's books are awesome. This one is no different. The simplicity of his message and the foundations of good business make the book easy to apply to my real world. I love this book.

I barely ever write reviews but felt compelled to do so on this book. This book puts into words 90% of the strategy I have found that has allowed me to bend but not break while growing a successful business and culture. Brilliant. Kudos to the author for understanding entrepreneurship and leadership with balance well enough to summarize it so simply.

Don't read this enjoyable book without a pencil in your hand to highlight the many good points it offers and to make notes in the margin about what your management team could be doing to better its performance. Presented as an intriguing fable, this gem of a book shines brightly with many immediately applicable tips. I found myself being absorbed in the story, trying to find solutions to the organizational management challenges, and extrapolating to my own situation . . . all at the same time! It's a quick read with long-lasting impact.

Great book on things you think everyone should know, but no one actually practices. Very easy read. My only problem with it is that the executive was so perfect that it was too easy to say "I can't be this good" so why bother.

All three of Pat Lencioni's books are awesome. This one is no different. The simplicity of his message and the foundations of good business make the book easy to apply to my real world. I love this book.

This modern-day fable was a speedy delight to read. The strong, yet simple approach to management illustrated in this book helps answer that age old question of what makes one company fail and another succeed....

Great book on things you think everyone should know, but no one actually practices. Very easy read. My only problem with it is that the executive was so perfect that it was too easy to say "I can't be this good" so why bother.