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  • The Motive

  • Why So Many Leaders Abdicate Their Most Important Responsibilities
  • Written by: Patrick M. Lencioni
  • Narrated by: Jim Frangione
  • Length: 2 hrs and 37 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (113 ratings)

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The Motive

Written by: Patrick M. Lencioni
Narrated by: Jim Frangione
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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

What listeners say about The Motive

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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Very short but still too long

The idea could've been summarized just fine in 10 minutes of audio.

The only valid form of leadership is servant leadership. Leadership is hard and should not be taken on as a reward for climbing the proverbial ladder. Some signs that you're not being a good leader is that you neglect keeping high standards for interpersonal behavior, you focus mainly on what you enjoy and are good at, and you choose not to remind employees frequently of the mission and the standards.

The book expands on those ideas a little, but not much. Really, just ask yourself, why do you want to be CEO (or manager, or coach, etc)?

3 people found this helpful

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Relevant and to the point

As a CEO, I enjoyed Lencioni’s thought-provoking, relevant and concise book. It has reinforced my strengths and provided a tangible and actionable priority for improving my support to my Team this week!

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Fundamental

Why do you want to be a leader? It really helps you consider all the different aspects of your motive.

Classsic.

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A Short Conscious Primer on Leadership

This is honestly my favorite book on a quick and fast summary on why strong leadership really matters in the business space. It is setup in a fun entertaining way for a business book. If you are just starting to learn about leadership or are questioning if you want to move up in your field give this a read before you get started down that path.

The narrator is really easy to listen to, and the voice really fits the content.

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Perfect first leadership book

Yes it’s a story, yes it’s basic… but it hits so hard when you let go of your pride and examine yourself through the lens of it. Definitely love this as a first book for anyone looking to be or is a leader. Well done!

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A Refreshing Take on Leadership

Narrator was engaging and had good pacing. The fable and subsequent leadership lessons in this book are not easy but they are vital. Qorth your time if you want to be an exceptional leader.

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Great book to listen to

This book was suggested to me by my mentor and it's been an eye opener. I like the story that is told in the first part of the book because it really resonated with me and the analytical part later. I would say this is a must for all leaders.

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Challenges your motives. Worth the read.

A short read but packs an emotional punch. If you don't think you need it, you probably do.

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Another win for Mr Lencioni

The collection of Mr Lencioni"s amazing library keeps growing.
Another great book by this author and leader!.
A must have for your library!

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Another Gem

A true gut check for any leader. Thank you Patrick for the clarity! The only minor grievance I have with the book is that you did not narrate it yourself.

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  • friholito
  • 2020-12-02

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.

8 people found this helpful

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  • Anonymous User
  • 2020-02-27

Great stories drive home the lessons

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

7 people found this helpful

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  • Jannette Taylor
  • 2020-10-25

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.

6 people found this helpful

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  • Heather Bird
  • 2020-02-28

Patrick Lencioni does it again!

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

6 people found this helpful

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  • Robert Wurzel
  • 2020-02-26

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.

6 people found this helpful

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  • Alex J. Richardson
  • 2020-02-26

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.

6 people found this helpful

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  • Chris C
  • 2020-12-03

Great Read!!

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

5 people found this helpful

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  • Nathan Albaugh
  • 2020-11-17

exceptional!

Patrick's fables are so easy to listen to and understand. really an incredible book teaching the real value of servant leadership.

4 people found this helpful

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  • R Johnson
  • 2020-11-12

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.

4 people found this helpful

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  • Bill Miller
  • 2020-10-29

leadership isn't for everyone

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

4 people found this helpful