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.


Engaging, insightful   November 9, 2001
Roger E. Herman (Greensboro, NC USA)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

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.


A MUST READ FOR MANAGERS   October 25, 2000
Tony Rango (San Francisco)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

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!


High impact read   December 15, 2000
Mark Hammitt (Burlingame, CA USA)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

This book is a very quick read that still manages to hit you between the eyes with a one-two punch of horror (oh my gosh, we do that all the time!) and hope. I don't know how he does it, but Mr. Lencioni has a knack for storytelling that makes it look he's been bugging your hallways, staff meetings and off-sites.

The good news is that he articulates a straight forward (and not touchy-feely) prescription for a better-functioning organization. Like other great business books, the points seem obvious only in retrospect... few companies, I submit, actually engage in these key practices and waste a lot of time because of their failure to do so.

The day after reading it, I went through it again, writing a (long) list of actions that we're now taking in order to become a healthy -- as opposed to merely smart -- organization. If we had adopted it earlier, I think we would have blown away our goals, improved our retention, and kept everyone a lot happier.


Another Winning Leadership Fable From Lencioni   October 15, 2000
Patrick Quirk, Inverra CEO (Minneapolis, MN)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

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.