The Motive: Why So Many Leaders Abdicate Their Most Important Responsibilities

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 bestselling 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 most compelling fable to date, Lencioni introduces readers to a pair of new characters, Shay Davis and Liam Alcott, rival leaders of two very different organizations in the same industry. With sharp dialogue and unexpected plot twists, he takes us on a journey that culminates in a resolution that is as unpredictable as it is enlightening.

Beyond the fictional story, Lencioni provides a straightforward summary of the lessons from the fable, combining a clear explanation of his theory with practical advice and a simple self-assessment. In doing so, he teaches his readers how to avoid the most dangerous temptation that derails leaders and hurts the people they are meant to serve.