March 3, 2025

Our motives always matter, especially for leaders in every realm of influence. Your motives shape your leadership more than anything else. They determine whether you guide people in a positive direction that benefits them or in a direction that serves your interests.

The most important question leaders can ask themselves is, "Why do I want to lead others?" In other words, what are my motives? What drives me to do what I do? While we all have an inherent belief that we should help one another, our motives can often lead us to resist doing the right thing, even when we know we should.

Do you understand your reasons for wanting to lead others? Are you aware of the motivations behind your interactions with people? What inspires you?

If you prioritize your interests at the expense of others, your motives will lead you down a lower path in leadership. To be an effective leader, you must do the right things for the right reasons. This commitment will always come at a cost, though it may not be immediate. You must be prepared to pay this price consistently to remain a principled leader. The good news is that if you are willing to invest in this process, you will find it worthwhile when you witness the positive impact you have on others' lives.

Intentionally Own It: Consistently check your motives! Understanding our motives is crucial. The reasons behind our actions and words are often more significant than the actions or words themselves. That’s why it’s essential to pause and honestly reflect on why we are doing what we do.