Lencioni & The Five Temptations of a CEO

I took the opportunity whilst away last week to read a couple of books including another by one of my favourite business authors. On this occasion, I read Patrick Lencioni’s The Five Temptations of a CEO.

Not all of the temptations explored relate to everyone in the same way. But as no-one is perfect in all areas, some of the temptations will resonate more for some than with others.

The two that resonated most with me were:-

• Choosing certainty over clarity – in exploring this, Patrick sets out that too much time is wasted in analysis rather than getting on with it and at the risk of clearly setting out the desired result. Whilst products and services must be precise in their delivery, the CEO should not be aiming for precision themselves in the filling their role; if they drive to be precise, they risk over analysis and paralysis within the business.
• Choosing harmony over productive conflict – Patrick argues that the best decisions acknowledge all perspectives. Whilst all perspectives and ideas can’t be agreed upon, they can be considered. As such, discord and opinions should be encouraged in an environment that encourages debate and a consensus approach. This reminded me of talk by a CEO of one of the world’s major franchises in which he spoke at length about the blood on the floor during meetings but how they walked out united and focused on the same goals and actions.  That franchise made many difficult decisions that saw it transition successfully through a period of great change in consumer behaviour.

Unlike all other Lencioni books, don’t start reading it before you go to bed.  If you do make that mistake, you won’t sleep!

 At MRS, we will spend today planning for your success tomorrow.

At MRS, we will spend today planning for your success.