

At The Table with Patrick Lencioni
Patrick Lencioni
Real conversations and practical advice for everyday leaders. Sit across the table from one of the foremost experts in leadership and business. In his simple and approachable style, Pat tackles every topic related to the world of work (and some that aren’t). From culture to teamwork to building world-class organizations, Pat brings his wisdom, humor, and insight together to provide actionable advice for leaders everywhere.
For more on Pat and the Table Group, visit https://www.tablegroup.com
For more on Pat and the Table Group, visit https://www.tablegroup.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

55 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 18min
249. Hunger Wins
Explore why hunger, not long hours, drives true productivity and competitiveness in the workplace. The discussion challenges the myths of overwork, highlighting burnout's inefficiency. Learn how cultivating a culture of ownership and intrinsic motivation can foster genuine engagement. Discover the importance of hiring the right individuals to protect company culture and promote sustainable growth, emphasizing flexibility and trust. This conversation redefines workplace success by prioritizing passion and well-being over outdated metrics.

27 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 31min
248. Leadership Lessons From the Kisscam
Leaders often struggle with the pitfalls of praise, which can inflate their egos. A recent viral kiss cam incident serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of entitlement and isolation. The podcast emphasizes the need for leaders to stay grounded, especially in their family lives. It discusses the emotional strain of balancing work and family commitments, and how recognition of early relationship signs can prevent further issues. Ultimately, it advocates for aligning family and professional goals to foster deeper connections and fulfillment in leadership.

29 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 20min
247. Leadership Isn't Cool
Explore why aiming to be 'cool' can lead to ineffective leadership. The hosts discuss six traits of coolness, highlighting that powerful and hedonistic attributes undermine responsible leadership. They argue that true leaders, often perceived as uncool, prioritize authenticity and service over popularity. By examining the dangers of hiring based on likability rather than capability, they make a compelling case for celebrating genuine, selfless leaders who focus on the well-being of others.

16 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 15min
246. Party at the DMV: When Meta-Culture Shapes Workplace Culture
Explore how the broader culture of a location influences workplace dynamics. Discover the challenges leaders face when relocating companies and the impact on hiring and team morale. Learn how meta-culture can either support or resist organizational values. The podcast delves into the complexities of remote work and geographic variances. It also emphasizes the importance of adapting workplace culture to align with local values for a more cohesive and authentic environment.

21 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 17min
245. Dissecting a GOAT
Discover the universal traits that define remarkable leaders, focusing on humility, responsibility, and a thirst for knowledge. The discussion highlights how genuine communication enhances teamwork, contrasting it with performative behaviors. Explore how true leadership goes beyond charisma, emphasizing personal accountability and curiosity. The importance of continual learning is showcased through a leader's commitment to growth, while proactive leadership is framed as essential for fostering organizational health.

33 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 24min
244. Embracing Tension is the Key to Innovation
This podcast dives into how embracing tension can spark innovation. The hosts reveal that discomfort, whether through interpersonal conflict or environmental pressures, is a catalyst for creativity. They share examples of how manufacturing urgency can help teams innovate before crises hit. The conversation highlights the necessity of healthy conflict and urges leaders to engage in difficult dialogues. Listeners learn how fear and joy can both drive innovation, emphasizing the balance needed for organizational growth.

42 snips
May 27, 2025 • 23min
243. Overcoming the "I’m Not Enough" Trap
Many leaders grapple with feelings of inadequacy rooted in their past. This constant drive for validation often leads to a scarcity mindset, clouding perceptions of success and time. Emphasizing vulnerability, the conversation advocates for sharing struggles to foster connection and support. The hosts explore how control can breed anxiety, encouraging a shift towards joy in the journey. Finding peace and fulfillment entails embracing the process rather than fixating on outcomes.

33 snips
May 13, 2025 • 36min
242. Hard Times with Dave Ramsey: The Bright Side of Adversity
In a compelling discussion, financial expert Dave Ramsey shares his wisdom on turning adversity into opportunity. He recounts how his own bankruptcy became a catalyst for a career dedicated to helping others manage financial crises. They emphasize the need for values-based leadership during tough times and highlight the five stages of business growth each presenting unique challenges. Ramsey also encourages embracing failure as a stepping stone to resilience, advocating for a mindset that transforms obstacles into meaningful growth.

11 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 20min
241. Beware of Success
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, http://www.youtube.com/@PatrickLencioniOfficial, and https://x.com/patricklencioni.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 podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

31 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 32min
240. A Different Look at DOGE
The conversation dives into the struggle for government efficiency, showcasing the need for accountability and waste reduction. Drawing parallels between the federal government and private sector teams, they highlight challenges faced in both worlds. A poignant storage unit story illustrates the emotional complexities of letting go. The hosts emphasize that even healthy organizations must periodically reassess and eliminate waste to thrive. Balancing efficiency and effectiveness is crucial for impactful decision-making as economic challenges arise.