Full disclosure: I'm a Pat Lencioni fan. His Five Dysfunctions of a Team (which even comes in a manga graphic novel/comic book edition!) nails the problems that most teams are experiencing, yet are completely oblivious about.
I've purchased and read every book by Pat, and most are pretty good.
Getting Naked is great. And even though I am technically a "management consultant," and therefore the situations in the book are more directly familiar, I believe you'll find the lessons just as applicable in your own industry.
I had thoughts that the "business fable" had peaked, as there are many people using and abusing this format after Pat had successes with it. However, Pat must've been quietly sharpening his saw because his expert use of the fable format allows the reader to experience the transition of the main character subtly from scoffer to true believer in the concept of deep down, honest, and willing vulnerability.
Vulnerability is something I strive for in my company and in my work - and I can't tell you how many times people have challenged me with reactions of disbelief to outright scorn that I would intentionally not bring answers to my clients and instead ask dumb questions, willingly look bad in front of a client to help them "get" whatever they needed to get, and would make suggestions people laughed at. I used to have no real response beyond "Well, that's just the way I do things because it's the right thing for me."
So reading Getting Naked was like getting a permission slip and ammunition at the same time! With Getting Naked, Pat advocates that not only is it good to be vulnerable - it is fundamental in building trust and deep, lasting relationships with your clients.
I believe strongly in the leadership practice of walking the talk - meaning we model what we're asking others to do. Somehow leaders (and management consultants) often come to believe that one must be INvulnerable and infallible. Inevitably these folks fall and fall hard since being human means making mistakes.
I don't want to give away the plot of the book, so I'll skip to the model that Pat reveals through his characters.
There are three fears people in roles to help others typically face. Pat leads us to understand that the most effective strategies dealing with these fears are not to posture, defend, and avoid, but instead to step right into the middle of these situations and show our courage and humanity. I've listed each fear, followed by the naked prescriptions for success.
The fear of losing the business
- Always consult instead of sell - start serving the client instead of telling them how great you are
- Give away the business - always err on the side of the client with fees to show you want more than maximizing short-term revenue
- Tell the kind truth - put the relationship with the client at risk to deliver messages critical to the client's success, yet do so in a way that respects the humanity of the client
- Enter the danger - have the courage to step into uncomfortable situations that everyone else is afraid to address
The fear of being embarrassed
- Ask dumb questions - ask those questions that seem to obvious to ask, or that others think would embarrass themselves
- Make dumb suggestions - putting yourself out there with less informed ideas allows for the possibility of ideas the client would never have thought of
- Celebrate your mistakes - readily call out your errors and take responsibility for them to demonstrate your honesty and transparency
The fear of feeling inferior
- Take a bullet for the client - this doesn't mean enabling bad behavior on the client's part, but rather erring on the side of accepting responsibility so the client can move on
- Make everything about the client - focus your full attention understanding and honoring the business of the client
- Honor the client's work - actively appreciate what the client is doing to make the world a better place
- Do the dirty work - be willing and do whatever is needed at the moment to help the client
Pat wraps it up with general guidance to Admit your weaknesses and limitations. That is, don't try to cover up or overcompensate for those things you don't do well or you'll be wasting time and energy.
I have to say I'm extra-impressed that Pat is following what I call Fractal Teaching, where the example of how to do things is contained in the way that the example is done. By being vulnerable and sharing his own consulting methods, Pat's example is all the more powerful.
Thanks again, Pat. I'm inspired and ready to get even more naked than before!
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From the brand
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Patrick Lencioni is the pioneer of the organizational health movement and the author of 13 bestselling books, including, including The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, The Advantage, and The Ideal Team Player. For the past 25 years, Pat and his firm, The Table Group, have provided leaders with products and services to make their organizations more effective, their teams more cohesive, and their employees more fulfilled.
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Top reviews from other countries
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Humour with education...that is what one will remember well. Must read
Reviewed in India on May 16, 2021Michael Ehling
How to be yourself and win as a consultant
Reviewed in Canada on June 26, 2019
