Afleveringen
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What would happen if your team was challenged to do something ridiculous on purpose?
In episode 271 of At The Table, Pat, Cody, and Matthew share the story of a risky, creative experiment from The Table Groupâs annual consulting conference in Franklin, Tennessee. After giving teams one hour and $400 to create something ridiculous, outlandish, and loosely connected to organizational health, they watched their consultants produce original songs, recognize an ideal team player, rent an eight-foot tree, and even paint The Table Group office. The conversation reveals how time constraints, trust, risk, and freedom can unlock creativity in ways that careful planning often cannot.
Topics explored in this episode:
(00:00) The Power Of Limited Time
Pat introduces the idea that limiting time can actually increase innovation, creativity, and execution.Cody explains the purpose of The Table Groupâs annual consulting conference and how the team wanted to create a short but meaningful offsite experience.(04:03) One Hour, $400, And A Ridiculous Challenge
Pat and Cody describe the challenge: teams had one hour, $400, and a goal to create the most ridiculous, creative idea possible.They reflect on how quickly the consultants moved through the Working Genius process, from wonder and invention to discernment, galvanizing, enablement, and tenacity.(05:47) Recognizing An Ideal Team Player
One team went to the hotel manager, taught the Ideal Team Player model, and asked her to identify someone on staff who embodied humble, hungry, and smart.The team honored the chosen employee with gifts, cake, and a standing ovation from the consultants.(08:03) Songs, Trees, And Creative Chaos
Another team found a musician at a coffee shop and paid her to write and perform an original song about The Table Group in one hour.A different team rented an eight-foot tree as a callback to the âPlant Your Friggin Treeâ episode and turned it into a memorable symbol of action and urgency.(13:25) The Office Painting Risk
One team secretly entered The Table Group office and painted Mattâs podcast room red with references to the Five Dysfunctions, the Advantage model, and the Ideal Team Player.Pat, Cody, and Matt reflect on how the experiment proved that trust, risk, fun, and people-centered experiences can make business conversations more effective.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.
Register for âWhy Your Spouse Acts That Wayâ here: workinggenius.com/marriage
Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficial
Stay Connected with Patrick Lencioni
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficial
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Stay Connected with Cody Thompson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-thompson-a5918850.
At The Table with Patrick Lencioni
Apple: https://apple.co/4hJKKSL
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4l1aop0
YouTube: https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-
Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).
Let us know your feedback via [email protected].
This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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Why does trust become even more important in a world shaped by AI?
In episode 270 of At The Table, Patrick Lencioni, Cody Thompson, and Matthew Lencioni discuss how much the workplace has changed across generations, from voicemail lights and computer labs to AI and virtual work. While the tools, speed, and structure of work have changed dramatically, they argue that trust, teamwork, clarity, and healthy culture have not changed at all. As technology becomes more accessible and commoditized, the episode argues that organizational health may be a greater competitive advantage than ever.
Topics explored in this episode:
(00:00) Technology Changes, But Leadership Doesnât
Pat introduces the idea that the fundamentals of great relationships, teams, families, and organizations have not changed, even as technology has transformed work.Pat and Cody preview the episodeâs core question: how much has work changed, and how much have leadership and organizational health stayed the same?(03:32) Remembering the Pre-Digital Workplace
Pat describes starting work in 1987 with no email, no internet, no cell phones, and only a corded desk phone with a voicemail light.The conversation explores how slower communication, physical meetings, paper reports, and travel-heavy work shaped the way companies operated.(07:15) The Shift Into Computers, Email, and AI
Cody reflects on his own early work experience with computer labs, Excel spreadsheets, landlines, and in-person college admissions fairs.Pat and Cody discuss how quickly technology has accelerated, especially as AI now allows people to do work that once required specialized technical knowledge.(11:21) Why Organizational Health Matters More Now
Pat explains that dysfunction used to spread more slowly, but today, technology can magnify unhealthy behavior more quickly.The conversation turns to culture, trust, leadership, and teamwork as increasingly important differentiators in a world where products and information are easier to copy.(16:06) The Future Hunger for Human Connection
Cody and Pat discuss how trust, nonverbal communication, healthy conflict, and interpersonal connection remain essential even in a virtual and technology-driven workplace.Matthew Lencioni joins the conversation to share his perspective on work, generational differences, and why in-person connection still matters.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.
Register for âWhy Your Spouse Acts That Wayâ here: workinggenius.com/marriage
Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficial
Stay Connected with Patrick Lencioni
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficial
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Stay Connected with Cody Thompson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-thompson-a5918850.
At The Table with Patrick Lencioni
Apple: https://apple.co/4hJKKSL
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4l1aop0
YouTube: https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-
Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).
Let us know your feedback via [email protected].
This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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What important message have you stopped repeating because you assumed people already knew it?
In episode 269 of At The Table, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson make the case that people need reminders more than they need brand-new information. They explain why leaders often undercommunicate the most important things: they are afraid of sounding repetitive, annoying, or insulting. Through examples from work, church, family, and everyday life, they challenge listeners to stop assuming people remember and start repeating what matters.
Topics explored in this episode:
(00:00) Why Reminders Matter
Pat introduces the idea that people often fail to say important things because they assume others already know or remember them.Cody connects the topic to the broader need for reminders in work, leadership, strategy, church, and family life.(03:19) Returning To The Basics
Pat explains that much of his work with leaders involves reminding them of simple truths they already knew but stopped applying.Cody points out that teams often chase new, sophisticated ideas rather than revisiting the foundational principles that provide clarity.(07:57) Leaders As Chief Reminding Officers
Pat describes the CEO, parent, priest, and manager as âchief reminding officersâ whose job is to transfer understanding, not entertain themselves.Cody shares how repeated stories and clarity questions help a team internalize values until they become part of decision-making.(12:09) Repetition At Home And Work
Cody reflects on how repeated family traditions and repeated words of love create lasting memories and emotional certainty.Pat explains that appreciation, love, and organizational clarity should be repeated even when people seem to already know them.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.
Register for âWhy Your Spouse Acts That Wayâ here: workinggenius.com/marriage
Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficial
Stay Connected with Patrick Lencioni
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficial
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Stay Connected with Cody Thompson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-thompson-a5918850.
At The Table with Patrick Lencioni
Apple: https://apple.co/4hJKKSL
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4l1aop0
YouTube: https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-
Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).
Let us know your feedback via [email protected].
This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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How can you design an offsite that your team actually values?
Most offsites fail because they are either too loose to be productive or too rigid to be meaningful. In episode 268 of At The Table, Patrick Lencioni and Cody break down what made their most recent offsite the best in decades. They reveal why the right mix of structure, vulnerability, and flexibility can transform an offsite into a powerful catalyst for alignment and trust.
Topics explored in this episode:
(00:03) Why Offsites Get a Bad Reputation
Offsites often fail because they mix too many meeting types into one session.Many teams dread them due to wasted time and lack of meaningful outcomes.(02:23) The Stakes of a Great Offsite
Pulling people away from work and family raises the bar for value.A successful offsite must create alignment, trust, and forward momentum.(07:38) Designing with Flexibility, Not Perfection
Leaders chose a few key topics but intentionally left space in the agenda.Real value comes from adapting to whatâs happening in the room.(12:10) Creating Trust Through Real Conversations
Simple exercises like sharing emotions can unlock deeper vulnerability.Organic discussionsânot presentationsâlead to better decisions and engagement.(25:10) Blending Work, Fun, and Meaning
Social activities work best when lightly connected to the team and mission.The goal is for people to leave feeling known, aligned, and energized.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.
Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficial
Stay Connected with Patrick Lencioni
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficial
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At The Table with Patrick Lencioni
Apple: https://apple.co/4hJKKSL
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4l1aop0
YouTube: https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-
Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).
Let us know your feedback via [email protected].
This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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How can you tell if your company has a strong culture or just generic values?
Most companies donât struggle with being cult-like; they struggle with having any real culture at all. In this episode, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson break down the critical differences between strong cultures and actual cult behavior, highlighting why clarity and conviction matter. Youâll learn why great organizations embrace distinct values, even if it means not being the right fit for everyone.
Topics explored in this episode:
(00:00:00) Defining Culture vs. Cult
Culture is built on shared beliefs, customs, and behaviors within a group.A cult involves coercion, isolation, or dangerous practices, not just strong values.(00:03:54) Why Most Companies Lack Real Culture
Many organizations operate with generic or weak cultural identities.Strong cultures naturally repel people who donât align, and thatâs healthy.(00:08:24) The Role of Choice vs. Coercion
Healthy cultures invite people to opt in rather than forcing conformity.The difference lies in whether behaviors are celebrated or enforced.(00:13:07) Core Values vs. Generic Values
Real core values require sacrifice and clear differentiation.Generic values like âintegrityâ often fail unless deeply defined and lived out.(00:22:16) Culture Fit, Growth, and Personal Alignment
Strong cultures help people grow without forcing them to change who they are.Misalignment doesnât mean rejection; it simply means the fit isnât right.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.
Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficial
Stay Connected with Patrick Lencioni
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficial
X: https://x.com/patricklencioni
At The Table with Patrick Lencioni
Apple: https://apple.co/4hJKKSL
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4l1aop0
YouTube: https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-
Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).
Let us know your feedback via [email protected].
This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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How do you know if someone truly belongs on your team?
In episode 266 of At The Table, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson review the surprising origin of The Ideal Team Player and why its simple framework continues to resonate years later. Youâll learn how the combination of humility, hunger, and smarts defines great team membersâand what happens when one is missing. Youâll walk away with practical ways to hire better, develop your people, and build a stronger, healthier team culture.
Topics explored in this episode:
(00:02:23) Origins of Humble, Hungry, Smart
Pat explains how the three values emerged from real-world leadership experience.The framework gained traction as clients recognized its universal relevance.(00:07:24) Why the Model Works So Powerfully
The simplicity of the framework makes it easy to apply immediately in teams.The combination of all three traits, not just one, is what drives true effectiveness.(00:11:14) Breaking Down the Three Traits
Humility, hunger, and smarts are defined with practical examples.The discussion highlights common misunderstandings, especially around âsmart.â(00:21:55) The Dangers of Missing One Trait
The team explains the âaccidental mess-maker,â âlovable slacker,â and âskillful politician.âEach type shows how the absence of a single virtue can damage team health over time.Get âThe Ideal Team Playerâ today!
Take The Ideal Team Player Assessment here
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.
Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficial
Stay Connected with Patrick Lencioni
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficial
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At The Table with Patrick Lencioni
Apple: https://apple.co/4hJKKSL
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4l1aop0
YouTube: https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-
Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).
Let us know your feedback via [email protected].
This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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How would your teamâs culture shift if you started catching people doing their jobs well and celebrating those moments publicly?
In episode 265 of At The Table, Pat Lencioni and Cody Thompson revisit Patâs book The Truth About Employee Engagement, arguing its lessons are crucial now. They unpack the three root causes of employee misery - anonymity, irrelevance, and immeasurement - and show how any manager can improve work experience by addressing these human needs. Through stories and takeaways, they emphasize that making employees feel known, valued, and empowered to measure success requires only intentional, consistent attention.
Topics explored in this episode:
(00:06:46) Why the Solution Works Everywhere
Cody reflects on how remarkable it is that the bookâs solution applies equally to an airport fast-food worker and a Fortune 100 executive.Pat introduces the first sign of a miserable job, anonymity, explaining that employees who feel unseen and unknown by their managers simply cannot love coming to work, no matter how much they earn.(00:12:25) Retention, Counterculture & Practical Advice
Pat and Cody discuss how knowing employees personally is a powerful and often overlooked retention strategy, noting that people rarely leave workplaces where they feel genuinely cared for as human beings.Why leaders should be vulnerable, admit the lapse openly, and invite employees to âcatch you upâ on their lives, then share whatâs going on in your own.(00:16:42) Why Every Job Must Matter to Someone
Pat introduces the second sign of a miserable job, irrelevance, and illustrates it vividly by describing how a manager at the airport restaurant could tell that young employee his real purpose: to introduce a moment of joy and kindness into otherwise stressed travelersâ days.Cody and Pat agree that the managerâs responsibility is not only to articulate why a job matters, but to actively âcatchâ employees making a difference and celebrate those moments, because what gets celebrated gets repeated.(00:23:25) Immeasurement, the One-Minute Manager Demo & Closing
Pat introduces the third sign, immeasurement, arguing that every employee needs a way to assess their own performance that doesnât depend solely on a managerâs subjective opinion.Pat is challenging listeners to immediately improve in one area of knowing their people, reminding them why their work matters, and helping them measure their success.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.
Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficial
Stay Connected with Patrick Lencioni
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficial
X: https://x.com/patricklencioni
At The Table with Patrick Lencioni
Apple: https://apple.co/4hJKKSL
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4l1aop0
YouTube: https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-
Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).
Let us know your feedback via [email protected].
This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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What is one behavior you repeat that may be undermining your leadership?
In episode 264 of At The Table, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson discuss how leaders can grow by identifying habits such as interrupting others, avoiding conflict, or deflecting discomfort with humor. Leadership advice often focuses on adding new tools, strategies, and frameworks, but sometimes the most powerful improvement comes from stopping a behavior that undermines your team. By practicing âaddition by subtraction,â leaders can create healthier teams simply by removing one recurring behavior.
Topics explored in this episode:
(00:00:00) The Idea Of Leadership Subtraction
Patrick Lencioni introduces the concept that leaders can improve by stopping behaviors rather than constantly adding new practices.The hosts frame the discussion around the Lenten tradition of giving something up and apply that idea to leadership.(00:02:11) Personal Leadership Habits That Get In The Way
Patrick reflects on his tendency to interrupt others and explains how impatience and quick thinking contribute to that habit.Cody shares his own leadership tendency to use humor in uncomfortable situations and how that can sometimes derail important conversations.(00:07:56) Examples Of Leaders Who Needed To Stop A Behavior
Patrick shares stories of leaders who weakened their credibility by constantly talking about themselves or seeking affirmation.The conversation highlights how repeated behaviors can slowly erode trust within a team.(00:09:55) When Leaders Shut Down Or Ignore Conflict
Patrick and Cody discuss leaders who shut down disagreements or avoid addressing uncomfortable moments during meetings.They explain how ignoring conflict or difficult conversations can damage team health and prevent productive debate.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.
Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficial
Stay Connected with Patrick Lencioni
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficial
X: https://x.com/patricklencioni
At The Table with Patrick Lencioni
Apple: https://apple.co/4hJKKSL
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4l1aop0
YouTube: https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-
Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).
Let us know your feedback via [email protected].
This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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How can strategy stay intentional when planning cycles keep shrinking?
In episode 263 of At The Table, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson examine how the pace of change has transformed strategic planning. What once centered on five or ten-year plans now often lives within a three to six-month horizon.
Rather than viewing this shift as chaotic, Patrick and Cody explain why a short-cycle strategy can be more responsible and effective. They explore how clarity of purpose and strong organizational health provide the stability needed to navigate constant change.
Topics explored in this episode:
(00:03:57) Why Planning Horizons Have Shrunk
Technology and the rapid flow of information have dramatically accelerated the pace of change.
Businesses and industries now evolve so quickly that long-term certainty is nearly impossible.
(00:07:24) Planning Without Panic
A short-term strategy should not be confused with constant urgency or chaos.
Leaders can use sprint-based planning and frequent reassessment to stay intentional and focused.
(00:11:13) Values Replace Long-Term Predictions
Clear purpose and behavioral values now anchor organizations more than long-range forecasts.
Teams should focus on reaching the next base camp rather than mapping the entire journey.
(00:14:08) Organizational Health Creates Resilience
Strong culture and clarity provide stability when strategies must change quickly.
Healthy organizations can survive rapid shifts while competitors without strong foundations struggle.
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://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), 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://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).
Let us know your feedback via [email protected].
This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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What are you willing to repel in order to attract the right people?
In this episode of At The Table, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson challenge the idea that businesses should try to appeal to everyone. Instead, they argue for being intentionally extreme in two areas: core values and strategic anchors. When organizations are unmistakably clear about how they behave and how they succeed, they naturally repel the wrong employees and customers while attracting the right ones. Through examples like In-N-Out, Dutch Bros, Costco, and Nordstrom, they show how clarity and conviction create a stronger culture, cleaner decision-making, and more loyal teams and customers.
Topics explored in this episode:
(00:00) Why Great Organizations Repel the Wrong People
* How strong values naturally filter out misaligned employees and customers
* Why trying to include everyone weakens culture
(04:11) Extreme Culture as a Competitive Advantage
* How distinctive companies become âweirdâ on purpose
* Why noticeable culture creates loyalty and differentiation
(07:46) Strategic Anchors and the Power of Saying No
* How a clear strategy eliminates distractions and opportunistic growth
* Why discipline matters more than chasing every opportunity
(11:33) Attracting the Right Customers by Design
* How strong strategy repels misaligned customers
* Why businesses grow faster when they stop trying to serve everyone
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://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), 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://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).
Let us know your feedback via [email protected].
This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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Are you creating a workplace environment that feels like a cage or a park?
In episode 261 of At The Table, Patrick and Cody unpack a powerful metaphorââcocaine waterââto explain the dangers of isolation at work. Drawing from a well-known behavioral experiment that involves cages and parks, they connect addiction, loneliness, and disengagement to modern workplace culture. The conversation makes a compelling case that real connection at work fuels not only productivity but also dignity, healing, and human flourishing.
Topics explored in this episode:
(00:00) Embracing Humility and Vulnerability
* Importance of admitting lack of understanding
* Challenges in societal pressures
(07:32) The Power of Simplicity
* Importance of clear and understandable explanations
* The impact of simplicity in business settings
(14:45) Personal Accountability and Mentorship
* Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through personal accountability
* Role of organizational mentors in reinforcing basic principles
* Parallels between personal and organizational growth
(21:19) Success Through Simplicity and Discipline
* Requirements for organizational success
* Test of true understanding and leadership
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://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), 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://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).
Let us know your feedback via [email protected].
This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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Are you creating a workplace environment that feels like a cage or a park?
In episode 260 of At The Table, Patrick and Cody unpack a powerful metaphorââcocaine waterââto explain the dangers of isolation at work. Drawing from a well-known behavioral experiment that involves cages and parks, they connect addiction, loneliness, and disengagement to modern workplace culture. The conversation makes a compelling case that real connection at work fuels not only productivity but also dignity, healing, and human flourishing.
Topics explored in this episode:
(01:23) The Cocaine Water Experiment
* A behavioral experiment shows how isolation drives destructive choices, while community changes behavior.
* The concept of a ârat parkâ illustrates how connection can eliminate addiction entirely.
(04:08) Isolation and Remote Work
* Reframing the remote-work debate as a question of human connection rather than location.
(07:52) Dignity and Productivity Are Not Opposites
* Connection improves results, satisfaction, and performance simultaneously.
(13:54) Why Humans Need Multiple Communities
* People are designed for varied relationships, not constant isolation or constant proximity.
* Healthy work provides experiences worth bringing home and sharing with others.
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://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), 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://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).
Let us know your feedback via [email protected].
This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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If youâre achieving at a high level while ignoring the health of your inner life, how can you reset?
In episode 259 of At The Table, Pat and Cody explore why high achievement can be a warning sign rather than a badge of honor. They explain how leaders often use success to compensate for fear, insecurity, or unresolved personal issues. The conversation underscores that true leadership effectiveness begins with inner health long before it shows up in organizational results.
Topics explored in this episode:
(00:30) The Real Cost of High Achievement
* High achievement often masks deeper personal wounds and unmet internal needs.
* Why leaders must address their spiritual, emotional, and relational health before chasing success.
(03:15) The Inner Circle of Influence
* How Stephen Coveyâs âcircle of influenceâ applies to a leaderâs need to focus first on their internal well-being.
* How fear can become the engine driving unsustainable achievement.
(05:35) Organizational Health Begins With Leader Health
* Warning signs: neglecting physical health, spiritual life, or family relationships despite outward business success.
(09:27) Patâs Personal Journey With Identity and Achievement
* Pat opens up about decades spent tying his sense of worth to professional success and learning to shift toward internal wholeness.
(14:25) Beware the High Achiever in Yourself and Others
* Encouraging leaders to pursue hobbies imperfectly, embrace being ânot the best,â and refuse to let performance define identity.
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://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), 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://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).
Let us know your feedback via [email protected].
This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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Why does recommitting to trust matter more than recommitting to strategy?
Episode 258 of At The Table episode explores the moments when teams and relationships reach a breaking pointâwhere everything could unravel or deepen. Pat and Cody reflect on their own recent off-site, sharing how choosing vulnerability and recommitment led them to greater unity, clarity, and trust. They argue that the âmessyâ work of recommitting isnât soft; itâs the most essential and transformative part of leadership.
Topics explored in this episode:
(03:17) Why the Cliff Always Feels Real
* Early moments in The Table Groupâs history when setbacks could have ended everything but ultimately created stronger bonds.
* Parallels between organizational plateaus and long-term marriage.
(07:06) Messiness, Trust, and Misconceptions
* Why leaders shouldnât judge their own teams for imperfection.
* Challenging the myth that offsites should be purely strategic.
(10:58) The Moment of Truth
* The âmoment of truthâ where a leader either risks more vulnerability or puts a ceiling on the entire organization.
(15:03) Recommitment as the Path to Fruitfulness
* Why trustânot strategyâis what makes or breaks performance, speed, and long-term health.
* How naming hard truths unlocked unity, clarity, and deeper commitment.
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://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), 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://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).
Let us know your feedback via [email protected].
This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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Do you sometimes over-rely on data to cover yourself instead of trusting your judgment?
Episode 257 of At The Table explores why leaders often cling to data, certainty, and predictabilityâeven though business is inherently messy. Pat and Cody discuss how fear of failure drives over-analysis, slowing decisions and weakening judgment. Ultimately, they argue that great leadership is an art fueled by instinct, courage, and human interactionânot algorithms or metrics.
Topics explored in this episode:
(03:15) Data vs. Instinct in Real Business
* Why instinct and common sense dominate real executive decision-making.
* The human tendency to return to predictability even when it repeatedly fails.
(06:29) When Data Misleads and Context Matters
* How statistical predictions often fail to capture real-life variables.
* How leaders hide behind numbers to avoid personal responsibility.
(09:13) The Power of Seeing the Problem Directly
* How over-reliance on data can obscure common sense and slow down problem-solving.
(11:40) Business as Art, Not Science
* The modern trend toward treating business as a purely scientific discipline.
* Why instinct and integrative thinking will never be replaced by either data or AI.
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://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), 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://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).
Let us know your feedback via [email protected].
This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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How does working in a âtoxicâ culture affect your ability to perform and trust others? Also, if your organization has an unhealthy work environment, how can leaders begin the process of internal correction?
In episode 256 of At The Table, Pat Lencioni and Cody Thompson unpack what âtoxic cultureâ really meansâand what it doesnât. They explore how toxicity rarely starts at the bottom but usually traces back to the executive teamâs dysfunction, lack of clarity, or tolerance for poor behavior. They also share the signs, causes, and antidotes of toxic workplaces, encouraging leaders to create environments rooted in honesty and accountability.
Topics explored in this episode:
(00:20) Defining âToxic Cultureâ
* The importance of defining âtoxicâ and challenging the assumption that perks equal health.
(04:00) The Source of Toxicity
* Toxic cultures almost always originate at the executive level, not among lower-level employees.
(08:00) How to Diagnose Toxicity
* Cody compares toxic environments to poor sleepâyou can feel it without needing a metric.
(13:00) What Toxic Cultures Look Like
* Key signs: political behavior, tolerated poor performance, and confusion from unclear goals.
* How even good leaders can accidentally create toxicity.
(17:00) Healing and Hope for Teams
* Every organization experiences some level of dysfunctionâbut honesty and ownership can fix it.
* The idea of replacing the word âtoxicâ with âdysfunctionalâ or âpolitical,â emphasizing that healing begins with truth.
In this episode, Pat and Cody discussed the following study by the employment website, Monster: âToxic Workplaces Are Worsening: 80% of U.S. Workers Now Say Their Job Hurts Their Mental Healthâ; https://www.monster.com/career-advice/job-search/news-and-insights/mental-health-in-the-workplace-poll-2025
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://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), 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://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).
Let us know your feedback via [email protected].
This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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What happens when innovation outpaces our moral compass?
In episode 255 of At The Table, Patrick and Cody wrestle with the tension between technological innovation and human dignity in the workplace. As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, they ask whether efficiency has become more important than humanity. This episode invites leaders and consumers alike to seek a moral âtrue northââone that values people over profit and connection over convenience.
Topics explored in this episode:
(02:57) Innovation Without a True North
* Concern that the rise of AI could fundamentally displace human work.
* Innovation must be guided by ethics and human-centered purpose, not just economic efficiency.
(07:15) The Role of Leaders
* The need for leaders to assess whether their choices serve humanity.
(10:10) The Role of Consumers
* Consumers voting with their wallets and resisting convenience that devalues human connection.
(14:27) The Convenience Crisis
* How people increasingly prioritize ease over meaning.
(18:45) Dignity, Work, and the Future
* The deeper value of work beyond incomeâas a source of dignity, growth, and relationship.
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://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), 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://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).
Let us know your feedback via [email protected].
This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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Have your remote teams been unknowingly breeding politics through silence and distance?
In episode 254 of At The Table, Pat and Cody explore how remote work can unintentionally foster politics and erode trust within teams. They unpack why virtual communication creates space for misunderstanding and suspicionâeven among well-intentioned people. They also offer practical advice for building connections, restoring trust, and maintaining healthy team dynamics across distance.
Topics explored in this episode:
(00:00) Understanding Virtual Politics
* How âvirtual politicsâ can be thought of as the subtle mistrust that grows when people work apart.
(03:30) How Distance Fuels Assumptions
* How lack of information makes people fill in the gapsâoften with negative assumptions.
(06:27) Building Proactive Trust
* How frequent, small check-ins can keep trust alive.
* Why men and women sometimes handle connection differently and how teams can structure regular contact.
(09:43) Efficiency vs. Relationship
* How Zoom culture prioritizes efficiency over connection.
* Pat introduces the concept of âwasting time wellâ as essential for maintaining team health.
(11:52) The Ladder of Inference
* Pat explains the âladder of inferenceâ and how remote work accelerates false assumptions.
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://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), 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://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).
Let us know your feedback via [email protected].
This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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Are you unintentionally eroding trust by avoiding hard conversations? Also, what happens to your team when trust goes unexercised?
In episode 253 of At The Table, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson unpack why trust isnât something to simply build and preserveâit must be used, stretched, and tested to grow stronger. They explore how leaders unintentionally erode trust by avoiding honest curiosity, mistaking it for suspicion.
Topics explored in this episode:
(00:00) Curiosity vs. Suspicion
* How simple questions like âWhat are you working on?â can build or break trust.
* Why avoiding questions to âprotectâ trust actually weakens it over time.
(04:59) Trust Isnât a Museum Piece
* Unused trust is like a car thatâs never drivenâbeautiful but purposeless.
(09:56) Healthy Relationships Arenât Fragile
* How conflict and tension signal healthy trust, not dysfunction.
* The importance of exercising trust through candid conversations.
(13:28) Trust and Remote Leadership
* How distance and fear of misinterpretation can make trust decay faster.
(17:16) Leaders Must Take the First Risk
* Pat challenges leaders to stop being afraid of awkwardness and exercise trust first.
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://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), 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://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).
Let us know your feedback via [email protected].
This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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What happens to a culture when leaders ignore problems?
In episode 252 of At The Table, Patrick and Cody explore the leadership principle of running toward the fire. They discuss why leaders often ignore the âsmokeâ of personnel or cultural issues, hoping problems will resolve themselves. Instead, they argue that credibility, trust, and organizational health are built when leaders courageously confront issues before they spread.
Topics explored in this episode:
00:35 â Seeing Smoke
* Leaders set the tone by how they respond to problems.
03:33 â Defining the Fire
* Personnel problems are the most commonly ignored fires in organizations.
06:03 â Why Leaders Avoid the Fire
* Confrontation feels messy and uncomfortable, especially when emotions are involved.
09:45 â The Cost of Avoidance
* Ignoring smoke damages credibility, weakens leadership muscle, and sets a bad cultural example.
12:20 â Regaining Credibility
* Leaders can only rebuild trust through visible action, not promises.
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 [email protected].
This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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