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At the Table with Patrick Lencioni

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274. Let’s Get Physical

At the Table with Patrick Lencioni
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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 family to building world-class organizations, Pat brings his wisdom, humor, and insight together to provide actionable advice for leaders everywhere.

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Episode 274podcast microphone image
08/04/2026

Let’s Get Physical

Why might physical work become more valuable as AI advances? Physical, hands-on work may be entering a new era of relevance as artificial intelligence changes the future of desk-based careers. In episode 274 of At The Table, Pat and Cody explore how tangible work can provide economic stability, human connection, visible accomplishment, and opportunities for personal development. They also challenge leaders and parents to consider whether efficiency should always take priority over the dignity, growth, and satisfaction that meaningful work can provide. Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) Why Physical Work Is Becoming Cool Again Pat introduces the growing appeal of physical, present, and tangible work as artificial intelligence begins replacing more computer-based tasks. Pat and Cody examine how previous generations encouraged young people to pursue white-collar careers rather than jobs involving physical skill or direct service. (03:40) The Unexpected Value of a Tree Service Pat shares the story of Rocky Hernandez, who built a successful tree-service business after coming to the United States without a formal education. Rocky’s son may discover that taking over and expanding the family business offers more opportunity and security than remaining in a high-tech career. (07:17) The Satisfaction of Visible Results Cody explains how physical work changes people by requiring them to do difficult things and experience the concrete results of their effort. Pat broadens the definition of physical work to include teaching, childcare, restaurants, healthcare, customer service, and other careers built around human presence. (11:36) Work, Entrepreneurship, and Human Dignity Cody contrasts an automated lawnmower with a 13-year-old neighbor who started a lawn-care business to earn money for a ski pass. Pat and Cody discuss why decisions about automation are also moral decisions involving personal growth, opportunity, dignity, and the kind of people work helps create. (15:03) Learning Differently and Building Something Real Pat considers how technology companies can preserve physical, customer-facing work while artificial intelligence reduces the need for certain technical roles. Pat and Cody predict changes in higher education and encourage families to recognize the practical wisdom of careers that produce tangible, visible results. This episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: 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. Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficial Stay Connected with Patrick Lencioni LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficial X: https://x.com/patricklencioni At The Table with Patrick Lencioni Apple: https://tablegroup.me/apple Spotify: https://tablegroup.me/sptfy YouTube: https://tablegroup.me/youtube Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://workinggenius.me/apple), Spotify (https://workinggenius.me/sptfy), and YouTube (https://workinggenius.me/wgyt). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

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Episode 274podcast microphone image
08/04/2026

Let’s Get Physical

Why might physical work become more valuable as AI advances? Physical, hands-on work may be entering a new era of relevance as artificial intelligence changes the future of desk-based careers. In episode 274 of At The Table, Pat and Cody explore how tangible work can provide economic stability, human connection, visible accomplishment, and opportunities for personal development. They also challenge leaders and parents to consider whether efficiency should always take priority over the dignity, growth, and satisfaction that meaningful work can provide. Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) Why Physical Work Is Becoming Cool Again Pat introduces the growing appeal of physical, present, and tangible work as artificial intelligence begins replacing more computer-based tasks. Pat and Cody examine how previous generations encouraged young people to pursue white-collar careers rather than jobs involving physical skill or direct service. (03:40) The Unexpected Value of a Tree Service Pat shares the story of Rocky Hernandez, who built a successful tree-service business after coming to the United States without a formal education. Rocky’s son may discover that taking over and expanding the family business offers more opportunity and security than remaining in a high-tech career. (07:17) The Satisfaction of Visible Results Cody explains how physical work changes people by requiring them to do difficult things and experience the concrete results of their effort. Pat broadens the definition of physical work to include teaching, childcare, restaurants, healthcare, customer service, and other careers built around human presence. (11:36) Work, Entrepreneurship, and Human Dignity Cody contrasts an automated lawnmower with a 13-year-old neighbor who started a lawn-care business to earn money for a ski pass. Pat and Cody discuss why decisions about automation are also moral decisions involving personal growth, opportunity, dignity, and the kind of people work helps create. (15:03) Learning Differently and Building Something Real Pat considers how technology companies can preserve physical, customer-facing work while artificial intelligence reduces the need for certain technical roles. Pat and Cody predict changes in higher education and encourage families to recognize the practical wisdom of careers that produce tangible, visible results. This episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: 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. Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficial Stay Connected with Patrick Lencioni LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficial X: https://x.com/patricklencioni At The Table with Patrick Lencioni Apple: https://tablegroup.me/apple Spotify: https://tablegroup.me/sptfy YouTube: https://tablegroup.me/youtube Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://workinggenius.me/apple), Spotify (https://workinggenius.me/sptfy), and YouTube (https://workinggenius.me/wgyt). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

Read More⟶
Episode 274podcast microphone image
08/04/2026

Let’s Get Physical

Why might physical work become more valuable as AI advances? Physical, hands-on work may be entering a new era of relevance as artificial intelligence changes the future of desk-based careers. In episode 274 of At The Table, Pat and Cody explore how tangible work can provide economic stability, human connection, visible accomplishment, and opportunities for personal development. They also challenge leaders and parents to consider whether efficiency should always take priority over the dignity, growth, and satisfaction that meaningful work can provide. Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) Why Physical Work Is Becoming Cool Again Pat introduces the growing appeal of physical, present, and tangible work as artificial intelligence begins replacing more computer-based tasks. Pat and Cody examine how previous generations encouraged young people to pursue white-collar careers rather than jobs involving physical skill or direct service. (03:40) The Unexpected Value of a Tree Service Pat shares the story of Rocky Hernandez, who built a successful tree-service business after coming to the United States without a formal education. Rocky’s son may discover that taking over and expanding the family business offers more opportunity and security than remaining in a high-tech career. (07:17) The Satisfaction of Visible Results Cody explains how physical work changes people by requiring them to do difficult things and experience the concrete results of their effort. Pat broadens the definition of physical work to include teaching, childcare, restaurants, healthcare, customer service, and other careers built around human presence. (11:36) Work, Entrepreneurship, and Human Dignity Cody contrasts an automated lawnmower with a 13-year-old neighbor who started a lawn-care business to earn money for a ski pass. Pat and Cody discuss why decisions about automation are also moral decisions involving personal growth, opportunity, dignity, and the kind of people work helps create. (15:03) Learning Differently and Building Something Real Pat considers how technology companies can preserve physical, customer-facing work while artificial intelligence reduces the need for certain technical roles. Pat and Cody predict changes in higher education and encourage families to recognize the practical wisdom of careers that produce tangible, visible results. This episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: 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. Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficial Stay Connected with Patrick Lencioni LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficial X: https://x.com/patricklencioni At The Table with Patrick Lencioni Apple: https://tablegroup.me/apple Spotify: https://tablegroup.me/sptfy YouTube: https://tablegroup.me/youtube Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://workinggenius.me/apple), Spotify (https://workinggenius.me/sptfy), and YouTube (https://workinggenius.me/wgyt). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

Read More⟶
Episode 274podcast microphone image
08/04/2026

Let’s Get Physical

Why might physical work become more valuable as AI advances? Physical, hands-on work may be entering a new era of relevance as artificial intelligence changes the future of desk-based careers. In episode 274 of At The Table, Pat and Cody explore how tangible work can provide economic stability, human connection, visible accomplishment, and opportunities for personal development. They also challenge leaders and parents to consider whether efficiency should always take priority over the dignity, growth, and satisfaction that meaningful work can provide. Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) Why Physical Work Is Becoming Cool Again Pat introduces the growing appeal of physical, present, and tangible work as artificial intelligence begins replacing more computer-based tasks. Pat and Cody examine how previous generations encouraged young people to pursue white-collar careers rather than jobs involving physical skill or direct service. (03:40) The Unexpected Value of a Tree Service Pat shares the story of Rocky Hernandez, who built a successful tree-service business after coming to the United States without a formal education. Rocky’s son may discover that taking over and expanding the family business offers more opportunity and security than remaining in a high-tech career. (07:17) The Satisfaction of Visible Results Cody explains how physical work changes people by requiring them to do difficult things and experience the concrete results of their effort. Pat broadens the definition of physical work to include teaching, childcare, restaurants, healthcare, customer service, and other careers built around human presence. (11:36) Work, Entrepreneurship, and Human Dignity Cody contrasts an automated lawnmower with a 13-year-old neighbor who started a lawn-care business to earn money for a ski pass. Pat and Cody discuss why decisions about automation are also moral decisions involving personal growth, opportunity, dignity, and the kind of people work helps create. (15:03) Learning Differently and Building Something Real Pat considers how technology companies can preserve physical, customer-facing work while artificial intelligence reduces the need for certain technical roles. Pat and Cody predict changes in higher education and encourage families to recognize the practical wisdom of careers that produce tangible, visible results. This episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: 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. Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficial Stay Connected with Patrick Lencioni LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficial X: https://x.com/patricklencioni At The Table with Patrick Lencioni Apple: https://tablegroup.me/apple Spotify: https://tablegroup.me/sptfy YouTube: https://tablegroup.me/youtube Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://workinggenius.me/apple), Spotify (https://workinggenius.me/sptfy), and YouTube (https://workinggenius.me/wgyt). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

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Episode 273podcast microphone image
07/21/2026

First Impressions at Work

Why can two people leave the same meeting with completely different understandings? A newcomer’s perspective reveals something experienced professionals often forget: work is far messier and less logical than it appears from the outside. In episode 273 of At The Table, Pat and Cody examine how fear, nonverbal communication, personality differences, and unspoken assumptions cause even healthy teams to misunderstand one another. They also explain how stronger meeting discipline, good intentions, and greater grace can help organizations navigate that messiness and move in the same direction. Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) A Newcomer’s View of Work Pat shares a surprising observation from his son Michael’s first summer working in an office environment. Michael notices that people can understand their jobs and speak the same language while still missing the deeper meaning behind one another’s words. (04:31) Why Alignment Is So Difficult Pat and Cody discuss why even successful companies are filled with the complications and misunderstandings that come with being human. Organizational health can become a significant competitive advantage, but getting everyone to row in the same direction requires more than frameworks and good intentions. (09:15) Fear and the Things People Do Not Say Electronic communication makes misunderstandings more likely, but even face-to-face conversations leave important meaning unspoken. Employees may withhold concerns because they fear appearing negative, losing relational capital, or being viewed as poor team players. (13:49) Building Clarity Before the Meeting Ends Teams can improve alignment by reviewing what they discussed, what they decided, and what needs to be communicated outside the room. Even disciplined teams should assume that some percentage of the apparent clarity in a meeting may be incomplete or misunderstood. (18:14) Grace, Good Intentions, and Healthy Organizations Personality differences can cause people to interpret the same words literally, generally, or metaphorically, creating frustration even among people who trust one another. Healthy organizations acknowledge the messiness of work while hiring humble, hungry, and smart people who can assume the best and work through misunderstandings. 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. Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficial Stay Connected with Patrick Lencioni LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficial X: https://x.com/patricklencioni At The Table with Patrick Lencioni Apple: https://tablegroup.me/apple Spotify: https://tablegroup.me/sptfy YouTube: https://tablegroup.me/youtube Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://workinggenius.me/apple), Spotify (https://workinggenius.me/sptfy), and YouTube (https://workinggenius.me/wgyt). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

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