Lencioni - Temptations of a CEO

I've mentioned in earlier entries that I'm a fan of Patrick Lencioni. His first book is called "The Five Temptations of a CEO". The title of the book pretty much sums up the Lencioni's thesis: The difference between mediocre and excellent leaders depends on whether or not a leader falls for one (or more) of five temptations.

Temptation 1: Choosing status over results

• Do you personally consider it a professional failure when your organization fails to meet its objectives?
• Would it bother you greatly if your company exceeded its objectives but you remained somewhat anonymous relative to your peers in the industry?

Temptation 2: Choosing popularity over accountability

• Does it bother you to the point of distraction if they are unhappy with you?
• Do you often find yourself reluctant to give negative feedback to your direct reports? Do you water down negative feedback to make it more palatable?

Temptation 3: Choosing certainty over clarity

• Do you pride yourself on being intellectually precise?
• Do you enjoy debating details with your direct reports during meetings?

Temptation 4: Choosing harmony over productive conflict

• Do you prefer your meetings to be pleasant and enjoyable?
• Are your meetings often boring?
• Do you get uncomfortable at meetings if your direct reports argue?

Temptation 5: Choosing invulnerability over trust

• Do you have a hard time admitting when you're wrong?
• Do you fear that your direct reports want your job?
• Do you try to keep your greatest weaknesses secret from your direct reports?