The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive

A Leadership Fable

By: Patrick Lencioni

Narrated by: Charles Stransky; introduction by Patrick Lencioni

Length: 3 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

As CEO, most everything that Rich O'Connor did had something to do with at least one of the four disciplines on his famed "yellow sheet." Some of the firm's executives joked that he was obsessed with it.

Interestingly, only a handful of people actually knew what was on that sheet, and so it remained something of a mystery. Which was okay with Rich, because no one really needed to understand it, other than him. He certainly never suspected that it would become the blueprint of an employee's plan to destroy the firm.
In this stunning follow-up to his best-selling book, The Five Temptations of a CEO, Patrick Lencioni offers up another leadership fable that's every bit as compelling and illuminating as its predecessor.

This time, Lencioni's focus is on a leader's crucial role in building a healthy organization - an often overlooked but essential element of business life that is the linchpin of sustained success.

Listeners are treated to a story of corporate intrigue as Rich O'Connor, fictional CEO of technology consulting company Telegraph Partners, faces a leadership challenge so great that it threatens to topple his company, his career and everything he holds true about what makes a leader.

In the story's telling, Lencioni deftly helps his readers understand the disarming simplicity and power of creating a healthy organization, and reveals four key disciplines that they can follow to achieve it.

Once again, Lencioni delivers an utterly gripping tale with a powerful and memorable message for all who strive to be extraordinary leaders.

The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive is also available in print from Wiley.

©2002 Patrick Lencioni
(P)2002 Random House Inc.

Critic reviews

"This is a compelling story with a significant message for executives. The lessons here are substantial, and the style of writing is succinct, thorough, and very entertaining." (David S. Pottruck, president and co-CEO, The Charles Schwab Corporation)
"Since implementing these ideas within our company, I've seen morale and productivity increase dramatically. Lencioni encourages us as managers to deal with human issues that are not quickly quantifiable in a spreadsheet or a quarterly report." (Glenn Kiser, vice president and general manager, Skywalker Sound, Lucas Digital LTD.LLC)

Practical advice I can use

Listened in a weekend. The parable style works for me with a great summary. Will be repeating our vision in many different forms in the future.

My Favorite

This is my favorite of all Lencioni books. It provides a clear understanding of his most important model: the four disciplines of organizational health!

High quality, actionable story

The story was great. Narration was extremly professional and clear. Definitely worth every penny and minute spent on it.

Success factors for any organization

A tale of two organizations, headed by classmates from the same b-school. One of them discovered the keys to true success - the health of the organization.

A healthy organization has a healthy culture - a set of reliefs and behaviors that enable it to survive and thrive.

Highly recommended for anyone interested in learning how to build a successful (i.e., healthy) organization of any sort, from corporation to foundation to family.

not as good

this one's not as good as death by meeting or five dysfunctions; story nor lesson.

Excellent book for leaders

Simple focused and powerful summary. I’ll re read this one and share it. Highly recommend.

Critical principles, but easy to read like fiction.

This book will help every overwhelmed CEO whittle down to the nonnegotiables in their responsibilities. Hearing it scene by scene like a movie made it a breath of fresh air and much more enjoyable than the typical business book.

Excellent approach - regardless of your role

Patrick Lencioni captures the eponymous with each discipline guiding the team to success.

Well done as always

Refreshing

Would you listen to The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive again? Why?

This was my third audiobook by Lencioni and I was not disappointed. The story line explores the issues perfectly, and reading this while driving, found it both engaging and memorable. This read is motivational, wouldn't we all like to be the best!

A must-have

Any supervisor, entrepreneur or person interested in how a well-lead business should run must have.