Rating: 
Summary: High impact read
Review: This book is a very quick read that still manages to hit you between the eyes with a one-two punch of horror (oh my gosh, we do that all the time!) and hope. I don't know how he does it, but Mr. Lencioni has a knack for storytelling that makes it look he's been bugging your hallways, staff meetings and off-sites. The good news is that he articulates a straight forward (and not touchy-feely) prescription for a better-functioning organization. Like other great business books, the points seem obvious only in retrospect... few companies, I submit, actually engage in these key practices and waste a lot of time because of their failure to do so. The day after reading it, I went through it again, writing a (long) list of actions that we're now taking in order to become a healthy -- as opposed to merely smart -- organization. If we had adopted it earlier, I think we would have blown away our goals, improved our retention, and kept everyone a lot happier.
Rating:
Summary: Engaging, insightful
Review: This book is Lencioni's second leadership fable. Weaving a story around a set of principles can be an effective teaching technique, and Lencioni is skillful in the art of moral-based storytelling. The first 136 pages of the book are consumed in telling the story of a CEO who discovered an effective way to lead his organization. The basis of the approach is a set of four disciplines, which are not revealed to the reader until the problem scenario has been established. This sequencing is valuable, since it forces the reader to come to grips with the real-life experiences of the characters of the story. The plot is intriguing. The engaging tale holds the reader's attention strongly enough that there is minimal temptation to read ahead to see if the butler did it. The lure of the story holds your attention. The realistic scenes and dialog give an "edge" to the story; you forget you're reading a business book. It's not difficult at all to relate to each of the characters, even to the extent, perhaps, of identifying some of the characters with colleagues at work in your own organization. But there are surprises, so don't think you can second-guess this book. The story told, the author changes hats on page 137 to slide into the role of consultant and teacher. He explains the four disciplines through a narrative style that I'd liken to a friend sitting across the table from you. But then the questions start. Lots of questions . . . and answers. This effective consulting style comes naturally: Lencioni is president of a consulting firm in the San Francisco area. I recommend this book for CEOs, company owners, and consultants who serve them. You'll learn some interesting principles and how to convey them, but you'll also learn from the experience of reading the fable. Those who want to improve their communication of leadership concepts will benefit from the way Lencioni wove his story.
Short book, big lessons. No, I didn't tell you the what the four disciplines are. I don't want to spoil it for you. Give into the temptation: read this book.
Rating:
Summary: Great story! Sound management advice. What's next?
Review: This book was a pleasure to read! The four management disciplines are so basic, and so often missed in many companies. The story is easy and enjoyable to read and helps illustrate exactly how each of the four points can be implemented. It is a more enjoyable read than most dry business books and not as "cheesy" as others.
Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ FOR MANAGERS
Review: This fictional tale about two leaders was both entertaining and enlightening. His writing style is a welcomed departure from all the bland textbook-like management books. I was able to relate to the characters and start applying the four "disciplines" with my staff immediately. The model and application tools in the back of the book were extremely helpful. I highly recommend this book!
Rating: 
Summary: A Good Read!
Review: This is a good book for people who like parables. The fable centers around an unfocused man swamped by rivalry, envy, manipulation and betrayal. He never sees that his most threatening rival, though not as flashy as he is, has the stick-to-it commitment of a carnival pony that would continue walking the same tight circle even if someone took off its harness. To succeed, you need that kind of persistence plus a few straightforward disciplines including internal unity, clear purpose, open communication and personnel policies that reflect your values. In short, if you pick key disciplines and stick to them, you'll go far. You've heard this sweet if shallow lesson before, in the fable of the tortoise and the hare. That fable endured for centuries because it puts a simple truth in a few words using a vivid analogy. That is the kind of veracity this book is aiming for and though it may achieve a shorter reach, its wrap-up analysis and work sheets extend its practicality. We recommend its bolstering message - if not its simplistic structure - to managers who like metaphors.
Rating:
Summary: Be entertained and receive the tools to apply principles
Review: This is an extremely easy (and quick) read, and is very entertaining. If you are looking for a tool to begin transforming your executive team into extraordinary leaders, this is the book you want to read and use. This should become required reading for your executive team...and they will actually enjoy it! After entertaining you with his "leadership fable", Patrick Lencioni provides practical, realistic methods by which you can apply the lessons learned. This is a not just another management book...this is a TOOL that you can put to work for your organization.
Rating:
Summary: Be entertained and receive the tools to apply principles
Review: This is an extremely easy (and quick) read, and is very entertaining. If you are looking for a tool to begin transforming your executive team into extraordinary leaders, this is the book you want to read and use. This should become required reading for your executive team...and they will actually enjoy it! After entertaining you with his "leadership fable", Patrick Lencioni provides practical, realistic methods by which you can apply the lessons learned. This is a not just another management book...this is a TOOL that you can put to work for your organization.
Rating:
Summary: Fastforward your Management Experience
Review: This modern-day fable was a speedy delight to read. The strong, yet simple approach to management illustrated in this book helps answer that age old question of what makes one company fail and another succeed....
Rating:
Summary: Great!
Review: Usually when I read someone try to describe what business meetings are like I just roll my eyes. It's never realistic because I guess most authors either aren't businessmen or aren't good at writing about it. Lencioni does it right. I like the way he describes how to grow a healthy company in the context of an interesting novel -- it makes it easier to absorb and appreciate the theory when it's being acted out "in real life." It's a good read, and lays out a powerful (but practical!) set of managment techniques. Hats off!
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