• The Five Temptations of a CEO

  • A Leadership Fable
  • By: Patrick Lencioni
  • Narrated by: Patrick Lencioni
  • Length: 1 hr and 30 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,479 ratings)

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The Five Temptations of a CEO  By  cover art

The Five Temptations of a CEO

By: Patrick Lencioni
Narrated by: Patrick Lencioni
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Publisher's summary

In this stunning business fiction debut, Patrick Lencioni delivers a powerful wake-up call to all of us who dare to lead.

Young, ambitious, and overwhelmed, Andrew O'Brien personifies a part of every leader as he wanders in search of the elusive silver bullet that will propel him to success. He happens upon an unlikely guide who distills the seemingly infinite list of leadership perils into the five temptations of a CEO. In an intense and often combative exchange, the two debate fundamental issues faced by all leaders, issues involving personal integrity and effectiveness in the ongoing struggle for success. While some of these topics have been bandied about in the leadership literature for years, here they actually begin to make sense.

Refreshingly original and utterly compelling, Andrew's story will serve as a timeless and potent reminder that success as a leader can come down to practicing a few simple behaviors, behaviors that are painfully difficult for each of us to master.

©1998 Patrick Lencioni (P)1998 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved. Audioworks is an imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division.

Critic reviews

"Applicable to any rising manager." (Booklist)
"Patrick Lencioni serves up an intriguing fable and an interesting approach to business writing." (AudioFile)

What listeners say about The Five Temptations of a CEO

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Excellent book for all leaders of people!

A very simple, to the point book with practical steps to uncomplicate the role of a leader.

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Great Reflection Tool

I thoroughly enjoyed it as a CEO. My Exco team has been challenged in the same manner to ask the thought questions and see how we can be more conscious of these 5 temptations

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Personally Challenging.

Presuing conflict. Being ok with being wrong. Letting go of defending your position/title. These ideas challenge me and hit home pretty hard. I'm glad I've had a heads up listening to this book rather than learning over months of my own company's decline.

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Good substance

As a CEO i can relate to these issues. Story is little weak but the principles are sound.

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Great book. Weak audio book.

This audio version did not follow the book very well. It was good to listen to, but very hard to track in the digital book.

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As the owner of a small company...

As the owner of a small company, it forced me to do some serious self-reflecting.

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Self examination

Patrick has done it again. Using the ability to tell a story and teach a lesson at the same time has been brilliantly designed through this story. I have examined myself through this story. I will definitely be making some adjustments! Great job!

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  • JM
  • 09-06-19

should be required for BOD and CEOs

after a failed merger I should have trusted my instincts pre merger re issues handing over startup to someone that would never be open to the wisdom in this book

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A must for any current or future business leader!

A quick read (or listen) that's worth a second or third read. Well written and addresses the human behind the title.

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Wonderful

I really enjoyed it very much. I like the sequence of the story and conclusion
Thank you from heart.

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