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1. Being Smart is Overrated

By Patrick Lencioni - August 2019

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1. Being Smart is Overrated

At the Table with Patrick Lencioni

Episode Summary

In this first episode, Pat and Cody discuss why the smartest companies don’t always win. He presents organizational health as the greatest competitive advantage in business and takes us back to his first job to discuss where it all started.

 

The Cornerstone of Success: Prioritizing Organizational Health

In our inaugural At the Table podcast episode, we delved into the critical yet often overlooked aspect of business success: organizational health. At The Table Group, we’ve had the pleasure of engaging with colleagues and industry experts to unravel the complexities of what makes an organization not just smart, but healthy.

The Smart vs. Healthy Organization

In today’s fast-paced business environment, intelligence and technical know-how are prized commodities. However, as we discussed with one of our staff, Cody Thompson, these attributes only represent one side of the coin. The other side, which is equally vital, is organizational health. A healthy organization is characterized by minimal politics, reduced confusion, high morale, and increased productivity. It’s a place where trust and collaboration are not just encouraged but ingrained in the culture.

Chris Jensen, a seasoned consultant at The Table Group, joined the conversation to shed light on the importance of human interaction within the workplace. We explored how fostering positive interactions among team members can be a game-changer for any organization.

 The Cultural Backbone of Organizational Health

We also discussed the need for agility, flexibility, and resilience in companies. These qualities enable organizations to weather market downturns and emerge stronger. Creating a healthy organizational culture is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a strategic imperative for long-term success. 

Overcoming Biases Against Organizational Health

Our discussion ventured into the biases that often hinder leaders from giving organizational health the attention it deserves. We dissected the “sophistication bias,” the “adrenaline bias,” and the “quantification bias,” all of which can lead leaders astray from the path of fostering a healthy work environment. By drawing parallels to personal health and using sports analogies, we illustrated the continuous effort required to maintain organizational well-being.

 As we wrapped up our conversation, we offered guidance for those who may not be in leadership positions but still play a crucial role in their organization’s health. We encouraged every team member to take ownership of their role and contribute positively to their work environment.