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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 (116 ratings)

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The Motive cover art

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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    4 out of 5 stars

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)?

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Short and effective

The author had a unique and concise teaching style. There was just the right amount of repetition to get the point across. You don’t have to be high level to benefit from or enjoy this book.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Pertinent pour tout leader

J’ai trouvé ce livre très pertinent et révélateur. Les mises en scène sont bien montées et aide à faire réaliser les erreurs du quotidien que nous ne voyons pas

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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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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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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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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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