Episode notes
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 suspicion—even 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 “virtual politics” can be thought of as the…
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At The Table with Patrick Lencioni
Patrick Lencioni · Business · English
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…
More from At The Table with Patrick Lencioni All episodes →
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E259 · 6 Jan 2026 · 19 min
259. Beware the High Achiever
If you’re 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…
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E258 · 23 Dec 2025 · 19 min
258. The Fruits of Recommitment
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 point—where 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 “messy” work of recommitting isn’t soft; it’s 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…
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E257 · 9 Dec 2025 · 16 min
257. The Art of Messiness
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 predictability—even 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 interaction—not algorithms or metrics. Topics explored in this episode: (03:15) Data vs. Instinct in Real Business * Why instinct and common sense dominate real…
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E256 · 25 Nov 2025 · 22 min
256. What is a Toxic Culture?
How does working in a “toxic” 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 “toxic culture” really means—and what it doesn’t. They explore how toxicity rarely starts at the bottom but usually traces back to the executive team’s dysfunction, lack of clarity, or tolerance for poor behavior. They also share the signs, causes, and antidotes of toxic workplaces, encouraging leaders to create…
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E255 · 11 Nov 2025 · 25 min
255. Efficiency vs. Humanity
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 “true north”—one 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…
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E253 · 14 Oct 2025 · 19 min
253. Trust Must Be Exercised
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 isn’t something to simply build and preserve—it 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 “What are you working on?” can build or break trust. * Why avoiding questions…
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E252 · 30 Sep 2025 · 15 min
252. Where There's Smoke...
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 “smoke” 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 – Seeing Smoke * Leaders set the tone by how they respond to problems. 03:33 – Defining the Fire * Personnel problems are the…
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E251 · 16 Sep 2025 · 22 min
251. Transition Equation
In what ways can the formula for change be useful for understanding both personal and organizational change? In episode 251 of At The Table, Patrick and Cody explore the so-called change equation, a simple yet powerful formula that explains why some change efforts succeed while others stall. Breaking it down into dissatisfaction, vision, and a first simple step—multiplied together—they show how these elements must outweigh resistance for change to occur. Topics explored in this episode: 0:55 – The Change Equation 3:17 – D: Dissatisfaction with the Current State * How leaders and individuals…
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E250 · 2 Sep 2025 · 19 min
250. BaaM & WaaM
How would your workplace culture change if love and service were driving forces? In episode 250 of At The Table, Pat and Cody introduce the concepts of BaaM (Business as a Ministry) and WaaM (Work as a Ministry). They explore how viewing business and work through the lens of service and love can create healthier workplaces and stronger organizations. Whether you’re leading a public company or managing a small team, this conversation will invite how you think about purpose, culture, and results. Topics explored in this episode: (0:32) Business as a Ministry (BaaM) * How businesses can be seen…
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E249 · 19 Aug 2025 · 18 min
249. Hunger Wins
How can you create a workforce of hungry people who aren't trying to prove their worth by the number of hours they work? And how can you help your coworkers build a sense of ownership and passion around their work? In episode 249 of At The Table, Pat and Cody explore why “hunger wins” when it comes to building competitive, effective teams. They challenge the misconception that long hours translate to productivity. They also reveal how to create sustainable competitiveness that inspires people to go above and beyond—without burning them out. Topics explored in this episode: (0:40) Hunger and…
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