The Motive

Why So Many Leaders Abdicate Their Most Important Responsibilities

By: Patrick M. Lencioni

Narrated by: Jim Frangione

Length: 2 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's Summary

Shay was still angry but shrugged nonchalantly as if to say, it's not that big of a deal. 

"So, what am I wrong about?" 

"You're not going to want to hear this, but I have to tell you anyway." Liam paused before finishing. "You might be working hard, but you're not doing it for the company." 

"What the hell does that mean?" Shay wanted to know. Knowing that his adversary might punch him for what he was about to say, Liam responded. "You're doing it for yourself." 

New York Times best-selling author Patrick Lencioni has written a dozen books that focus on how leaders can build teams and lead organizations. In The Motive, he shifts his attention toward helping them understand the importance of why they're leading in the first place. 

In what may be his edgiest pause-resister to date, Lencioni thrusts his listeners into a day-long conversation between rival CEOs. Shay Davis is the CEO of Golden Gate Alarm, who, after just a year in his role, is beginning to worry about his job and is desperate to figure out how to turn things around. With nowhere else to turn, Shay receives some hard-to-swallow advice from the most unlikely and unwanted source - Liam Alcott, CEO of a more successful security company and his most hated opponent. 

Lencioni uses unexpected plot twists and crisp dialogue to take us on a journey that culminates in a resolution that is as unexpected as it is enlightening. As he does in his other books, he then provides a straightforward summary of the lessons from the fable, combining a clear explanation of his theory with practical advice to help executives examine their true motivation for leading. In addition to provoking listeners to honestly assess themselves, Lencioni presents action steps for changing their approach in five key areas. In doing so, he helps leaders avoid the pitfalls that stifle their organizations and even hurt the people they are meant to serve.

©2020 Patrick M. Lencioni (P)2020 Recorded Books

lacking depth

I have listened to many of his books, and I am a fan of teaching with stories, so I assumed I would love this book. Unfortunately, I found it lacking depth. The story didn't have enough detail to provide any real benefit.

it felt like an outline of a book that was rushed to print.

Lencioni’s best work to date

I have read most of Patrick Lencioni’s work. I’ve used “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” for many of my presentations to clients and within my own teams. I was curious about “The Motive” because I knew there would be a moment of self awareness and self reflection for me although I wasn’t sure I was ready for that. This book is short and sweet but very powerful when trying to understand your role as a leader and what motivates you to assume that role. It’s not as easy as establishing your alignment with rewards vs responsibility because over time they can shift. It is important to constant examine your actions as a leader and how you are motivated by the work as well as how you motivate your team.

Patrick Lencioni does it again!

This is another most read for anyone in leadership. Listen, take notes, and make a change!

Great stories drive home the lessons

Very profound and searching. Perhaps more important to internalize than any "how to" book on leadership.

Yes yes yes!!

This book is an amazing depiction of how leaders tend to abdicate their roles for things that they think are fun but less important. A must read for anyone in leadership or those who are under a leader.

Love these leadership fables. Always great!

This is a quick and easy read, with most completing it in just under 3 hours. I am impressed at how powerful the concept proposed is and how impactful the small book can be.

Great Read!!

Again Lencioni did not disappoint. A great look at why we take on the role of leader.

he's done it again!

great content, short story with powerful truths and principles explained. thank you so much patrick!

Why are you leading?

This is such a great book for anyone in a leadership position, because it requires you to assess why you are doing what you were doing. It is a quick easy book with practical advice to digest.

leadership isn't for everyone

another insightful book from Lencioni. good read for CEOs and want to be. an engaging fable

Much needed book on leadership for our time

Written in Lencioni's easy to understand format this book is a timely reminder of the motives people have for leading. Leading with the wrong motive can be disastrous, this book calls us to refocus on the right way- doing the right things, at the right time for the right reasons.

Great book, just a little short

I've enjoyed all of the Patrick Lencioni books that I've read and this was no exception. the only downside was how short it was.

Typical Lencioni - simple but profound

Enjoyed this book. Almost put off by one review which said it was just a rehash of previous work with recs to buy the other books as well. I don't think that's fair. There are refs to other books (well, wouldn't you?) but the book stands alone and is good reading for CEOs and other leaders. Only negative was the appalling British accent by the narrator, but it was so bad it was amusing so not a big distraction.