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)

Lencioni delivers again

One of my favorite authors- insightful and powerful leadership principles told through a story. Lencioni delivers again.

Great book for entrepreneurs

Great book for entrepreneurs , revenant and helpful. Actionable … enjoyed it. Thank you. Why are 15 words required?

Helpful Story

I like the way, Patrick told a story about the two companies and their differences. This certainly helps you get the point about the approach to leadership. 

Excellent book and story

If you could sum up The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive in three words, what would they be?

Greatly recommended for any professional and/or entrepreneur

What did you like best about this story?

You can relate to it very easily

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definitely, the story is so easily narrated that you can finish it in one sitting.

Good Book

Would you consider the audio edition of The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive to be better than the print version?

The audio version is easy to listen to in the car.

What did you like best about this story?

The author does a great job of providing insight into hiring properly.

Which scene was your favorite?

Jamie being caught with the competition.

Lessons to live by

Great lessons on maintaining focus in leadership of an organization. The four obsessions need to be clearly understood and constantly reinforced

Good read

Simple yet fresh and great fun to read. Useful for all businesses looking to scale and empower people.

Great book!!

Thank you for this book … it has helped me more than any of the dozens of business books I’ve read!

Traction & EOS Implemented

I enjoyed the comparisons of the two businesses and the personalities. I was recommended this book from our EOS implementer Johnathan Bowman. Great tools and examples, discipline and communication.

Engaging but Educational

Love the way this was written. It tells an engaging story to illustrate the importance of the four obsessions. It was easy to listen to and follow. Definitely will check out more books written by this author as this was packed with value