The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive: A Leadership Fable

I was caught up with the genre of this series of books for the "5 Dysfunctions of a Team." I have read nearly everything in the series and really enjoy the format, ease of reading, and the writer's style.As a leader of a church, I am always looking to improve my effectiveness to oversee an organization. Not all lessons from the "business world" apply perfectly, but I have found that even in the cases where there is no direct correlation, it is good to understand how those in the business world think. Beyond that, the principles that Lencioni communicates can usually be adapted to my particular context.What drew me to this book was the emphasis on the role of the senior leader in a company. The fable involves how the CEO interacts with his management team and how, in the most successful companies, there is a dogged determination to remain committed to the "most" important things. A CEO could become involved in a number of aspects of company operations; however, he is most effective in developing his senior leadership team, bringing clarity of purpose (vision) in every decision and direction, communicating that vision/direction "ad nauseum," and reinforcing the clarity through the human systems of the organization.Now I did not just share any new insights or upend some popular "B School" teaching; rather, I just shared what Lencioni reinforced throughout the book. A senior leader who focuses on these aspects of the organization can allow his senior leadership to carry out the task in the most effective way for their particular area of responsibility.While there is no "new" information or "magic pill" related in this book, there is a huge opportunity for the leader to evaluate his/her own organizational health, persona leadership effectiveness, and to make adjustments accordingly.I recommend the book highly to all leaders who are responsible for "shepherding" the vision and overseeing the direction of an organization. If you ever wanted "permission" to pull back from for the intricacies of the details and focus on what you do best...this is the book for you.

The author’s use of story to illustrate key points creates so much clarity that I came away with a few powerful concepts I can implement immediately.

This book took me on an insightful exploration of the principle foundations of leadership that a company used towards its success. It highlighted and reinforced the core disciplines in establishing and maintaining a successful company from the perspective of the leader.The book was enjoyable to read because the message wasn't hindered by overcomplicated words and ideas. Each of the four disciplines was reiterated throughout the text in different ways. Because of this, people who learn through narrative, example and explanation, or definition will all be able to find this book useful and informative.The majority of the book is a narrative about two competing firms, Telegraph and Greenwich. The author does a good job of describing the culture of the companies and the roles of the employees so that readers are able to identify with the organizations and the people in them. There is a relatable employee or situation in this book for any reader. The latter part of the book is a more structured look at the principles. I found this to be very helpful because not only did it clearly state and explain each discipline, but it also gave clear examples and samples of how to implement these values and strategies within your own team. Implementation is only the first part of the process. Full integration and success takes some restructuring, time, cooperation, and effort on everyone's part. The book emphasizes this, but doesn't necessarily lay out the process for the reader. So, if you are looking for a start to finish example of the process of reevaluation and the restructuring of an organization's values, mission, strategies, and beliefs, this book won't have quite enough information for that.The only part of the book that I found to be a bit uninspiring was the fact that this was a "leadership fable," so the story was not actually true. Although I still learned of the disciplines and witnessed them in action, I feel that this book would have a little more power if this had been an example of real companies.I found this book to be an interesting approach to leadership. It definitely gets your mind thinking about the improvements that your company could benefit from, and it makes you proud of the things that you're already doing.

Amazing book, must read

The lessons are true. Halfway through the book, I was yet to conceptualise the central theme and message. I kept turning the page, until about 50% into the read, when all fits together.

When I read through a good portion of the reviews of this book, something I always do prior to offering my own review, I see that many folks either directly or indirectly reference the 'story' offered in the beginning of the book; either because it was found distracting in some way or because it provided a landscape from which to mine or connect to the principles of the book's message. The book's message is most definitely one out of the KISS realms and as things from this realm are they are potent reminders to not complicate the art of leadership. I enjoyed the story and the reminders; it's a quick and easy read, probably something one could cover on a day trip to a clients office on a plane and through the airport. It's also worth the read, especially if you find a good story useful for connecting with a message as I know I do.

The author does a good job summarizing the Four Obsessions. At times, I struggle d following the fable. However, it all started to make sense towards the end of the book.

A very concise book with mise-en-scene scenarios that you can easily rely on and read in one night! Bottom line the atmosphere in an org comes through culture and the latter is built by drilling the reasons why the company exists in the first place; that’s how the acolytes become one (company).

Very good read on management goals and values . The model described here is useful for any executive who strives for improvement.

Lencioni tells a fictional story that is so realistic, anyone can relate to it. In fact, most of us will see characteristics of the people in the story in ourselves.This metaphoric prose, is one of the best ways to create personal motivation for change. Most of us have had more than one experience where our own zeal for a powerful concept has fallen on deaf ears as people resist our ideas. We also react this way when we feel others are forcing an idea for personal improvement on us as well. Lencioni avoids this human response by providing a journey through the eyes of others that makes change feel wholesome and beneficial.It is simple and compelling and should be required reading for all managers.

God’s grace that I came across this life changing book and the author, everyone in leadership role should read author’s books !!

Great for CEOs once again! All books tie together to make an easy guide on how to run a successful company!