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)

You'll want to have your own yellow sheet.

The Four Obsessions is a catchy FABLE; it is not trying to be a novel. I listen in my car and always found myself sitting for several minutes after I'd reached my destination. The story is simple but captures your attention because of its relevance to reality. The narrator is excellent. His voice is clear.

The story begs the question...Do you, your management team and your organization exhibit what is described by Rich O'Conner's four principles? The last section of the book describes the four principles in detail.

Excellent read

I manage a staff of around 30 and found the insights presented in this book to be excellent and highly useful. The author presents his four dimensions of leadership in a unique and inspiring manner in the form of a story. I have held managerial positions in both government and private organizations and feel this book would be equally insightful for executives in both public or private organizations.

A must listen

The content is extremely important and valuable. The implementation is hard. The key is discipline.

Insightful and motivating.

I recommend this book for any manager. There are effective practices you can apply today to build a more cohesive team.

Fantastic Book on Extra ordinary Executive

Nice book clear and Concise Must read for any executive who want to go to the Top

very helpful

Very good book, helpful in thinking about business even for those who are not executives

Love the Story

This is a great introduction for a book called Traction. I was very engaged. I would highly recommend getting this book.

LoVe

*Easy to understand
*love how they tell a story to get point across before just breaking it down step by step with how too
*memorable

Love it! Patrick Lencioni is the best.

It is a great read (or listen) for anyone looking to master business. Patrick Lencioni is one of my favorites.

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.