Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive

PATRICK M. LENCIONI is founder and president of The Table Group, a management consulting firm specializing in executive team development and organizational health. As a consultant and keynote speaker, he has worked with thousands of senior executives and their teams in organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to high-tech startups to universities and nonprofits. Lencioni is the author 11 bestselling books, including The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and The Advantage.To learn more about Patrick, and the products and services offered by his firm, The Table Group, please visit www.tablegroup.com.

• The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive ixIntroduction xiTHE FABLEPART ONE: GREEN’S PAIN 1The Rival 3Reconnaissance 5PART TWO: THE HISTORY 9Two CEOs 11Desperate Epiphany 14Practice 17The Gatekeeper 20Asleep at the Gate 22Misorientation 28Hesitation 31Confrontation 34The Virus 38Mending Fences 40Off-Sites 43Meadowood 46The Day of Reckoning 56360° Feedback 63Unraveling 71Cold Water 74Moment of Truth 76PART THREE: GREEN’S OPPORTUNITY 83Reacquaintance 85Contact 88Discipline One 93Discipline Two 100Discipline Three 107Discipline Four 113The Realization 127PART FOUR: THE RESOLUTION 129The Decision 131White Flag 133Afterword 135ORGANIZATIONAL HEALTH:THE MODEL 137Putting the Disciplines into Practice:A Summary and Self-Assessment 139Acknowledgments 181About the Author 183

"Another homerun by Lencioni! This will be the first book we give to the thousands of executives who take part in our program." (Verne Harnish, founder, Young Entrepreneurs' Organization; CEO, Gazelles, Inc.)"This is a wonderful book--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 & 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)"Another great page-turner from Lencioni! As fun to read as it is insightful." (John Donahoe, worldwide managing director, Bain & Company)"Pat's formula, while elegantly simple, has profound implications for leaders in all sectors. It's right on the mark." (Paula VanNess, president & CEO, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America)"The four disciplines are the foundation of my company and should be required reading for all start-up ventures." (Mark Weidick, president and CEO, Cymerc Exchange, Inc.)"This is a powerful model for any organization, large or small. Lencioni knows his stuff." (Mark Hoffman, chairman & CEO, Commerce One)