Leaders want to understand and tap into what motivates people. As a consultant and coach I help leaders answer these questions.
Lately I’ve been wondering what motivates leaders to lead. 
So I asked, and they answered:
VISION VALUES PEOPLE
Vision
“I see an opportunity to create something better and I feel compelled to make it happen. I can’t do it on my own, so getting other people involved is critical. That takes leadership.”
I see a problem that I want to be solve and a vision of what the solution could look like. I get excited. I tell people. Some of them get excited too, and then we’re creating a plan to make it happen.
Values
Initially I was motivated by competence, or lack of competence. I saw how my managers did things, and I got frustrated. I knew I could do better, so I became a manager. When I moved into leadership roles, I didn’t like the operating values. I thought we could do better. I want to build, and be in a world, that treats people with respect and dignity.
People – Human Potential
“My top 3 motivators are people, people, people.” I love seeing a team grow, perform and win.
What really motivates me? Coaching people to do things they never thought they could do.
I lead because I enjoy seeing people exceed their own expectations.
Vision and Values
I lead an environmental organization. I have a vision of how people can live in concert with nature, while using, but not abusing our natural resources. I probably won’t see that vision become a reality in my lifetime, but I will continue to fight for it.
Vision Values People
“Asking me not to lead is like asking a flower not to bloom. I lead because I can. I lead because it’s human destiny to evolve. I see what we value, how that drives our behaviors and creates the world we live in. I also see what’s possible. Striving for what’s possible motivates me to lead.”
So there you have it, vision values people. These are the three domains that motivate leaders who answered the questions: “Why do you lead? What motivates you?” Of note, these three areas are often the underlying foundation that consultants expose and rework when consulting with leaders and their teams.
Are you motivated by vision values people? Something else?