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The Motive

summary ofThe MotiveBook by Patrick Lencioni

14 min
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You’ll learn

  • What hidden sacrifices successful leaders make
  • How tough talks can be empowering
  • Why expertise complicates leadership
  • About the risks coming with ignoring employee personalities

first KEY POINT

Being a successful leader requires sacrificing enjoyment for challenges

The key to being a successful leader is to know what being a leader entails. A leader is meant to be a servant. A leadership position is a job that’s more difficult than other positions because of all the sacrifices involved. A leader is supposed to take charge and manage at the same time without abdicating his duties to someone else.Leaders are expected to handle big challenges and uncomfortable situations, and that’s why it’s sometimes good to avoid being a CEO. Being a CEO to a lot of people is a reward, but in the actual sense, it’s a huge responsibility. There are a lot of CEOs who are better sticking with their previous position or a different one.The concept of leadership is often misunderstood by many individuals and corporations. They see it as a position where they won't be held responsible for the successes or failures of their organizations. This misconception is highly dangerous to the growth of any business. The effects of the decisions taken under these beliefs end up impacting these organizations in many ways. That's why this summary is essential for anyone who wants to learn what it takes to lead.

Without proper management, personal issues would affect the productivity of the organization

Patrick Lencioni, through a fable, has been able to establish why a lot of CEOs fail. For anyone who’s interested in being a leader or who wants to avoid being a bad leader, this tidbit is a must–read.

second KEY POINT

Developing a leadership team is crucial to the growth of any business

Being a CEO gives you a lot of power and influence, and you must learn how to wield this influence over your team. The CEO is responsible for the development of the team, as well as establishing a healthy work environment where productivity is encouraged. The first step to knowing how to be a CEO is knowing who a CEO is, and what a CEO does. When Shay Davis, the CEO of Golden State Security, discovered that he could lose his position within six months of being appointed, he knew he had to do something, and fast. As the CEO, Shay Davis had a job to find a way to compete with All–American Alarm and Del – Mar Alarm. These two security companies were doing better than Golden State Security, especially All–American Alarm. Shay Davis knew if he didn't find a quick solution, he would lose not only his position but also his job. Left with no choice, he picked up the phone and called Amy, the consultant from Lighthouse at Del–Mar Alarm, offering her a chance to work with them.Liam Alcott, the CEO of Del–Mar, was a man Shay Davis disliked for obvious reasons. Liam Alcott was the media’s favorite, and his company was doing very well compared to Shay Davis’s. The consultant promised to get back to Davis, but instead of getting back to him, he received a call from Liam Alcott instead.Initially, Davis thought Alcott had called to make fun of him, especially when he discovered that the consultant had informed Alcott of their telephone conversation. However, Alcott had called because he wanted to set up a meeting with Davis. He was quick to make Davis understand that they needed to get together and share ideas in order to displace the growing All–American Alarm. Davis agreed to the meeting, although he was not looking forward to it.

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first KEY POINT

Leadership requires knowing how to oversee your employees, no matter how good they are at their job

second KEY POINT

Navigating uncomfortable conversations is one of the most important assets a CEO should have

third KEY POINT

Being a CEO is not a reward for hard work, but a clarion call to occupy a difficult position

fourth KEY POINT

Being good in a particular field doesn’t automatically make someone a good leader

fifth KEY POINT

When leaders avoid their roles, they give room for unqualified people to step up and replace them

sixth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Patrick Lencioni, a well-known author and speaker on leadership and teamwork, is the founder of The Table Group, a consulting firm that serves Fortune 500 companies, sports teams, and nonprofits.

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Frequently asked questions

What is The Motive: Why So Many Leaders Abdicate Their Most Important Responsibilities about?

The Motive, authored by Patrick Lencioni, explores the motivations behind why many leaders neglect their crucial responsibilities. It emphasizes the importance of accountability, the role of leadership in creating a healthy organizational culture, and how misguided motives can ultimately harm teams and their effectiveness.

What are the key takeaways from The Motive: Why So Many Leaders Abdicate Their Most Important Responsibilities?

Key takeaways from The Motive include the distinction between two types of leadership motivations: responsibility versus ambition. Lencioni underscores how effective leaders prioritize the well-being of their teams and accept accountability for outcomes, highlighting that true leadership involves selflessness rather than seeking personal gain.

Is The Motive: Why So Many Leaders Abdicate Their Most Important Responsibilities worth reading?

Yes, The Motive is definitely worth reading, especially for those in or aspiring to leadership roles. Patrick Lencioni provides insightful perspectives on leadership dynamics and encourages readers to reflect on their motivations, making it valuable for personal and professional growth.

How many pages is The Motive: Why So Many Leaders Abdicate Their Most Important Responsibilities and when was it published?

The Motive is 160 pages long and was published on November 19, 2018. This concise format makes it a quick read while delivering deep insights into effective leadership.

How can The Motive: Why So Many Leaders Abdicate Their Most Important Responsibilities help leaders improve their effectiveness?

The Motive offers practical strategies and frameworks that help leaders identify their true motivations and embrace accountability. By understanding and addressing the core reasons behind their leadership actions, they can foster healthier team dynamics and drive better organizational results.