At The Table with Patrick Lencioni

What happens when the external validation of your success conflicts with your internal values and purpose? In episode 241 of At The Table, Pat Lencioni and Cody Thompson explore the hidden dangers of traditional success metrics. They also discuss how businesses and individuals can lose their way when they chase recognition that doesn’t align with their original purpose. Topics explored in this episode:  (0:40) The Michelin Star Story* How a small restaurant in Italy gave up its Michelin star to stay true to its identity. (4:51) Aligning Success With Intentions* Why companies lose their way when they follow external expectations.* The importance of anchoring decisions to the question: "Why do we exist?" (8:46) Success and Personal Growth* Arthur Brooks' wisdom about valuing the process over outcomes.* How personal definitions of success change over time, especially in creative fields. (13:02) The Cost of Chasing the Wrong Goals* How woundedness can drive people to seek approval through achievements.* Reflections on athletes and leaders who chose integrity over external trophies.* Why true success means being proud of who you're becoming, not just what you achieve. (17:53) Staying Grounded Amid Temptation* Lessons from early Table Group decisions to resist the IPO craze.* The ultimate call to stick to your "why" for lasting fulfillment. Books mentioned in this episode:  * Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. * The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else In Business by Patrick Lencioni. * From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks. This episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.  At The Table is a podcast that lives at the connection between work life, leadership, organizational health, and culture. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://spoti.fi/4l1aop0), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube).  Follow Pat Lencioni on https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth and http://www.youtube.com/@PatrickLencioniOfficial. Connect with Cody Thompson https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-thompson-a5918850.  Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8u), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).  Let us know your feedback via

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

Why is it so difficult to reform government inefficiencies? And what can organizations and households learn from eliminating waste in large, public institutions? In episode #240 of At The Table, Pat and Cody explore the concept of government efficiency through the lens of organizational health. Drawing comparisons between the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the federal government, and dysfunctional teams, they highlight the painful necessity of accountability and cutting waste.  Topics explored in this episode:  (01:04) Reframing DOGE * The goal is to explore waste and accountability without partisan heat, looking instead at structure and culture. (6:09) Government vs. Private Sector* The federal government is not set up to be a team like private sector organizations. (10:47) The Storage Unit Analogy* Cody shares a story of trying to help a hoarder consolidate two storage units, which becomes a metaphor for government systems that resist change. (15:24) Accountability * Leadership requires doing what is right, even when it’s unpopular or emotionally difficult. (20:44) Mistakes Will Happen* Even a well-intentioned cleanup will result in some regrettable losses.* Without a willingness to risk minor mistakes, the entire system remains unsustainable. (25:31) DOGE in Your Organization* The hosts discuss applying DOGE at the Table Group. * Even healthy organizations benefit from periodically eliminating waste. This episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.  At The Table is a podcast that lives at the connection between work life, leadership, organizational health, and culture. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.  Follow Pat Lencioni on LinkedIn and YouTube. Connect with Cody Thompson on LinkedIn.  Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.  Let us know your feedback via [email protected].  This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ 

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

How can we start to address unresolved challenges in our lives that impact people profoundly and sometimes in painful ways? In this episode, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson discuss the podcast's return after a six-month break, and a shift in content to include broader societal and cultural issues. Pat also shares his personal journey of self-discovery, focusing on addressing his own wounds and trauma, and explores how this deeply personal work relates to leadership and organizational health.Topics explored in this episode: * (8:04) The Impact of Wounds on Leadership* How fear can drive leaders. * (11:58) The Catalyst for Self-Discovery* Pat’s realization that running from his issues was more painful than confronting them. * The temptation to deny your own wounds. * (16:34) The Universality of Wounds* Everyone has wounds, such as neglect, shame, rejection, and abandonment. * Healing is a lifelong process. * (21:14) Encouraging Healing* Addressing wounds sooner rather than later. This episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. Subscribe to At The Table on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Follow Pat Lencioni on LinkedIn and YouTube. Connect with Cody Thompson on LinkedIn. Do you know about our other podcast? You can subscribe to The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Let us know your feedback on this episode via [email protected]. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ 

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

We're taking a break from uploading new episodes this fall, but we're looking forward to a return in 2025.  Thank you to all of our listeners!     To take the Six Types of Working Genius Assessment: https://www.workinggenius.com/   Check out the 5 Dysfunctions of a Team Assessment: https://tinyurl.com/ttgteamassessment   To become a Working Genius Certified Facilitator: https://www.workinggenius.com/client/certification/ 

Transcribed - Published: 2 October 2024

We've mentioned in the past that we think the modern workplace is in a 'conflict drought'. This week, Pat, Cody and Beau discuss the relationship between trust and conflict, and get to the bottom of what we're really missing. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast This week's unpaid ad: https://tinyurl.com/movetocolorado

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2024

There are certain parts of an organization that cannot be changed without essentially refounding the whole company. This week, the team talks about core values. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast This week's unpaid ad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doughnut

Transcribed - Published: 11 September 2024

Authority and humility are not mutually exclusive. This week, the team talks about the role of a leader and the importance of perspective, dignity, and self-awareness. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast Unpaid ad: https://tinyurl.com/golfscramblerules

Transcribed - Published: 21 August 2024

To avoid pain at the expense of your core values and purpose is a terrible idea. This week, Pat and the team discuss the growth curve and how organizations must approach the navigation of inevitable downturns. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast The Leadr Advantage: https://www.leadr.com/table-group

Transcribed - Published: 14 August 2024

The opposite of love isn't hate, it's indifference. This week, Pat and the team discuss the causes of mediocrity, and why it comes with costs beyond the financial. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast This week's unpaid ad: https://no.co/brands/noco-boost

Transcribed - Published: 7 August 2024

Episode originally aired January 20th, 2021. One hour coaching hack: how your team can give and receive invaluable coaching feedback in less than an hour. Tune in to this week's episode to hear Pat, Cody and Tracy share some of their own feedback that has helped them grow in their work and life.

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2024

Episode originally aired July 8th, 2020. Stop waiting for "normal" to return. Do it now! Pat, Cody and Chris discuss decision making and action in the midst of uncertainty. In your businesses, in your families and in your personal lives, it's time to plant your friggin tree.

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2024

This episode originally aired March 10, 2021. We often avoid saying things that need to be said because we're afraid of sounding like a jerk. This week, Pat, Cody and Tracy talk about the importance of having the courage to be a "little-j jerk."

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2024

This episode originally aired February 17, 2021. We don't hate change, we just struggle with transition. This week, Pat, Cody and Tracy discuss the real reason why people are afraid of change.

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2024

Invulnerability is ugly, and it can crush a team. This week, Pat, Cody, Tracy and Beau talk about how we can root out invulnerability in ourselves and explain why our relationships will improve as a result. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast This week's unpaid ads: www.gethalls.com/relief and www.tacobell.com

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2024

A studio can spend millions of dollars promoting a movie, but we're still most likely to see it when it's recommended by a friend. This week, Pat and the team discuss the difference in impact that hearing something directly from another person can have. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast This week's unpaid ad: https://soppycid.com/

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2024

Conflict is never comfortable - and it isn't meant to be. This week, Pat and the team discuss the nature of conflict, and how it can be used not only to more effectively achieve strategic objectives, but also to strengthen relationships within a team. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast This week's unpaid ad: Pickleball? Contact us at [email protected]

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2024

Decisions should always be pushed to the lowest possible level, closest to where they will be making the most impact. This week, the team discusses the influence of the customer on culture, strategy, and decision-making at the executive level. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast This week's unpaid ad: https://www.dutchbros.com/

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2024

If a leader does not provide employees with a primary motivation, something else will fill that gap. This week, Pat and the team discuss alignment around clarity and the difference between micro and macro motivations. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast This week's unpaid ad: https://badbirdiegolf.com/

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2024

Where are the spikes in your day? This week, the team compares their energy levels throughout the day to an EKG, and explains how we can take advantage of this awareness. To take the Six Types of Working Genius Assessment: https://www.workinggenius.com/ Industry-Specific Webinars: https://www.workinggenius.com/webinars This week's unpaid ad: https://tinyurl.com/theboysintheboatBOOK

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2024

An organization's culture lives through its values, and values are first demonstrated in hiring. This week, Pat, Cody and Beau discuss the insitututionalization of culture through the intentional application of values. Staffing Industry Webinar - Tuesday, May 21: https://www.workinggenius.com/webinars This week's unpaid ad - The Three Big Questions for a Frantic Family: https://www.tablegroup.com/product/frantic/ To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2024

What are the two simplest indicators for determining the health of an organization's culture? This weel, Pat, Cody and Tracy talk about the importance of alignment and engagement among the executive team as well as the happiness and connectedness of the employees who impact the culture the most. The Two Simplest Indicators: How is the executive team? Are they engaged, and how do they interact with each other? Who are the employees that impact the culture the most? Does each person on the executive team agree on who those people are, and are those employees happy with their roles? To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast This week's unpaid ad: https://www.nickthegreek.com/

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2024

Beware of the lone dissenter. This week, Pat and the team discuss the danger of allowing a single voice to override the interests of the team. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast To register for Industry Webinars: https://tinyurl.com/IndustryWebinars Unpaid ad: Banana Milk

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2024

Create your own competitive advantage. This week, Pat and the team discuss unwritten rules, agility, and courage. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast Pat's book, The Advantage: https://www.tablegroup.com/product/the-advantage/ This week's unpaid ad: https://tinyurl.com/CuttingEdgeFirewood

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2024

Which bubbles are you a part of? This week, Pat and the team discuss the existence and implications of 'bubbles' as they relate to industries, expertise, and technology. Register for Industry Webinars: https://tinyurl.com/IndustryWebinars To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast Related Episodes: https://tinyurl.com/PatronSaintoftheIgnorant

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2024

Please don't actually smell your customers. This week, Pat, Cody, and Beau discuss why being in close proximity to customers and clients is necessary if we want our products and services to hit the mark. The Working Genius Assessment for Students: https://www.workinggenius.com/students To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2024

The concepts of trust and conflict in the workplace are still just as simple as they were two decades ago. This week, Pat and the team discuss their thoughts on 'psychological safety'. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast This week's unpaid ad: https://turo.com/

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2024

'Eavesdropping' is a part of our organization's culture, and it helps our team stay on the same page. This week, Pat and the team discuss the merits of having strategic conversations within earshot of your colleagues and giving others the opportunity to clue in to the content of your meetings. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast This week's unpaid ad - LOGE Camps: https://www.logecamps.com/home Related Episodes: 167. The Never-Ending Meeting: https://www.tablegroup.com/167-the-never-ending-meeting/ 191. When Gossip is Good: https://www.tablegroup.com/191-when-gossip-is-good/

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2024

Strategic mistakes are not the root cause of business failure - they're a downstream symptom of organizational dysfunction. This week, Pat and the team conduct a forensic analysis of businesses successes and failures including Ford, United Airlines, and Hertz. Hertz CEO Resigns After Big Bet on EVs Fails to Pay Off: https://tinyurl.com/HertzCEOResigns To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2024

For most of us, virtual meetings are now a regular part of our workday. This week, Pat and the team take a forensic look at video conferencing and discuss some simple recommendations for improving our approach to virtual meetings. The 8 Limitations: The Peripheral Vision Problem The Mirror Problem The Intolerance of Silence Problem The Voice Problem The Politeness Problem The Application Distraction Problem The Giants Versus Ants Problem The Abrupt Ending Problem To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2024

What's it like leading a large organization, and how is it different if that organization is a church? This week, Pat and Cody are excited to be joined by good friend and special guest host Craig Groeschel. Craig is the founder and pastor of Life Church, the host of The Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, and the bestselling author of many books related to leadership, faith, and everything in between. Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/CGroeschelLeadershipPodcast Craig's Newest Book, Think Ahead: https://www.craiggroeschel.com/books/think-ahead Life Church: https://www.life.church/

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2024

Batman needs Robin, and the same sentiment is true in all types of organizations. This week, the team talks about the importance of the second in command, both in their relationship to the leader and to the success of the team. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast NFL Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bonus-are-you-ready-for-some-football/id1474171732?i=1000625628299 To listen to the 3-Minute Reset: https://3minutereset.org/

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2024

Implementing strategy requires difficult decisions. This week, Pat and the team discuss the importance of strategic anchors, and the type of courage that leaders must have in order to make sure their employees are rowing in the same direction. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast To listen to the 3-Minute Reset: https://3minutereset.org/

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2024

Juggling too many things is dangerous, especially as a leader. This week, Pat and the team discuss the importance of simplicity as it relates to our priorities and how we spend our time. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast The 49ers may have lost, but you can still use code TEAM25 until Wednesday, Feb 14 at midnight PT to earn 25% off all assessment purchases! Working Genius Assessment: https://www.workinggenius.com/ 5 Dysfunctions of a Team Assessment: https://www.tablegroup.com/topics-and-resources/teamwork-5-dysfunctions/#5dAssessment Unpaid ad: Lantern-style flashlights

Transcribed - Published: 14 February 2024

Every experience we have is either an asset or a liability. This week, the team discusses survival and the importance of how we choose to deal with failure. If the 49ers win this Sunday, use code GONINERS to receive 49% off all assessments for 49 hours! Working Genius Assessment: https://www.workinggenius.com/ 5 Dysfunctions of a Team Assessment: https://www.tablegroup.com/topics-and-resources/teamwork-5-dysfunctions/#5dAssessment To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast Unpaid ad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crouton

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2024

It's always important to be intentional about the way we behave and apply our talents at work. This week, Pat, Cody and Tracy make distinctions between virtues and values. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast

Transcribed - Published: 31 January 2024

It's one of the most important qualities of high-performing teams and the people that make them up. This week, Pat and the team talk about what it means to be scrappy. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast This week's unpaid ad: https://areyougame.com/products/ggc3009-the-game-of-fuzzy-logic

Transcribed - Published: 24 January 2024

Hit the reset button. This week, Pat and the team discuss a simple way to reinforce clarity on a team. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast

Transcribed - Published: 17 January 2024

How do you influence a team when you're not the leader? This week, Pat, Cody, Tracy and Beau discuss org health and managing up. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast This week's unpaid ad: https://www.nissinfoods.com/product/top-ramen/top-ramen-chicken/

Transcribed - Published: 10 January 2024

We may not be experts in the field of technology, but we do understand humans. This week, Pat, Cody and Beau share their thoughts about the rise of artificial intelligence. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast To listen to the 3-Minute Reset: https://tinyurl.com/3minutereset

Transcribed - Published: 5 January 2024

Being positive all the time isn't necessarily a good thing. This week, the team talks about the importance of being genuine and the danger of artificial praise. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast To subscribe to the 3-Minute Reset: https://tinyurl.com/3minutereset

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2023

Being 'normal' is rarer than you think. This week, the team talks about some recent experiences as customers, and why mastering the fundamentals of running a business, managing your employees, and serving your clients is actually what makes an organization stand out. This week's unpaid ad - The Normal Brand: http://tinyurl.com/unpaidnormalbrand To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2023

What is the best way to provide feedback and evaluate performance? This week, Pat, Cody, Tracy and Beau discuss the problems with 360 degree feedback and provide some effective alternatives that increase trust on a team rather than damaging it. Listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast Check out the 5 Dysfunctions of a Team Assessment: https://tinyurl.com/ttgteamassessment This week's unpaid ad: https://tinyurl.com/EmberMugs

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2023

Multitasking sucks. This week, Pat, Cody and Tracy discuss switching costs, corporate attention deficit, and the problems with what we consider to be 'multitasking'. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast To take the Six Types of Working Genius Assessment: https://www.workinggenius.com/

Transcribed - Published: 30 November 2023

It's holiday season, and for most of us, it won't hurt to be a little more vulnerable with the people around us. This week, Pat and the team discuss some simple ways to strengthen our relationships. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2023

Healing is possible within the context of work. This week, the team discusses what we believe to be a fundamental reason for making our organizations healthy. Listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast

Transcribed - Published: 16 November 2023

Beware of the novel, easy, and immediate. This week, Pat and the team discuss why even the best companies, teams, and individuals ignore the simple, proven solutions in favor of comfortability and short-term results. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: tinyurl.com/workinggeniuspodcast

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2023

Is there a gray area between the accidental mess-maker and the skillful politician? This week, Pat, Cody, Tracy and Beau look back after 200 episodes of the At the Table Podcast, and discuss the implications of wounds on the Ideal Team Player model. Listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast Check out the Ideal Team Player: https://www.tablegroup.com/product/ideal-team-player/

Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2023

The people that you surround yourself with probably have a greater impact on you than you think. This week, Pat, Cody and Tracy discuss the importance of being intentional about the company you keep, and how you can apply this to the people you spend 40 hours with each week. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: tinyurl.com/workinggeniuspodcast See Pat 'At the Whiteboard' for a free live virtual event! Info and registration: workinggenius.me/atwnovreg

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2023

This week, the entire podcast team discusses Pat's first book - The Five Temptations of a CEO - and takes questions from a live audience of Table Group Principal Consultants. Connect with a Table Group Consultant: https://www.tablegroup.com/consulting/ Check out The Five Temptations of a CEO: https://www.tablegroup.com/product/temptations/ Listen to the Working Genius Podcast: https://www.workinggenius.com/podcast 3M Flipcharts: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/cobbjw018027/

Transcribed - Published: 19 October 2023

When things happen in the world around us, we still go to work. This week, Pat and the team discuss the most and least effective ways managers and leaders can address current events with their teams. To listen to the Working Genius Podcast: tinyurl.com/workinggeniuspodcast

Transcribed - Published: 12 October 2023