Book review: The Motive, by Patrick Lencioni
While non-fiction writing from left-brain thinkers usually results in both sides of the brain aching, Lencioni, as usual, did not disappoint, and his leadership fable effectively and entertainingly illustrated his point.
Lencioni is an author biblical leaders should know and read. He is the type of devout Roman Catholic that more evangelicals should emulate. He presents as genuine, and his faith unashamedly runs deep in his talks and books. His work ended with the words, "Of course, my gratitude for everything . . . is for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Without You, I can do nothing."
In his short and quick read, The Motive, Lencioni deals with the heart of the matter. Namely, what is our motivation for wanting to be a leader? He begins the book with a fable and concludes it with the lessons learned.
The fable portion is well-written and provides enough twists in the plot to keep it interesting. The ending is even somewhat surprising.
The lesson portion underscores what most of us already know (but need to be reminded of). Namely, there are two types of leaders, those who serve themselves and those who serve others. He identifies the selfish leader as reward-centered, and the selfless leader as responsibility-centered.
Primarily, the core difference between the two types of leadership is indicated by who is willing to do the arduous, unpleasant tasks versus the leader who abdicates their most important responsibilities. He proposes the five most neglected duties include 1) developing the leadership team, 2) managing subordinates, 3) having difficult conversations, 4) running great meetings, and 5) communicating constantly and repetitively.
While he does not claim these are the most essential duties of the CEO, he suggests neglect of any of these may indicate a self-serving leader.
The Motive is a worthy book for every employee seeking a promotion, every pastor seeking a calling, or every couple wanting to parent. Lencioni claims there is one standard of leadership, and it involves the maxim, Leadership can never be about the leader more than the led. He even claims he wants to see the end of the term servant leadership, hoping that one day it is recognized as the only form of valid leadership that exists.
 | Phil Wood (PhD, DMin) is pastor of Fellowship Church, licensed counselor with Meier Clinics, and candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in Illinois' 8th Congressional District. Learn More » |
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