247. Leadership Isn't Cool

Why might being “cool” make someone a dangerous person to work for? And why are some of the greatest leaders uncool?

In episode 247 of At The Table, Pat and Cody challenge the cultural obsession with being “cool” and examine how it can corrupt leadership. Using a global study that defined six traits of coolness—especially “powerful” and “hedonistic”—they reveal how these values run counter to responsible leadership. Through stories, examples, and hard truths, they make the case that great leaders are often deeply uncool—and that's precisely what makes them trustworthy.

Topics Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson explore in this episode:

(3:39) The Six Traits of Cool

* The hosts list the six cool traits: adventurous, autonomous, open, extroverted, powerful, and hedonistic.

* Pat expresses deep concern about “powerful” and “hedonistic” being celebrated.

(6:53) Cool Traits

* Cody and Pat analyze “open,” “autonomous,” and “adventurous” as potentially valid for leaders.

* They debate whether extroversion belongs in either coolness or leadership.

(10:28) Why Hedonism and Power Don’t Belong

* Why hedonism contradicts servant leadership.

* The trap of confusing likability or popularity with effectiveness.

(16:25) The Dangers of Hiring Cool Leaders

* How boards and teams often choose “cool” over capable.

* Flipping the script—celebrating uncool, authentic leaders.

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 podcast@tablegroup.com.

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.