Maxwell Leadership Podcast Your Motives Matter
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Dec 3, 2025 
In this engaging talk, John C. Maxwell, a renowned leadership expert and bestselling author, dives into the critical topic of motives behind leadership. He emphasizes the difference between motivation, which fosters empowerment, and manipulation, which seeks personal gain. John encourages leaders to serve others without titles and regularly check their motives to avoid common pitfalls like power and recognition. Mark Cole reflects on these insights, urging leaders to reassess their 'why' to ensure their leadership remains rooted in service.
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Motives Color Leadership
- Motives determine whether leaders serve others or themselves and color every leadership decision.
- Good motives push leaders to do the right things for the right reasons and keep them on the high road.
Choose Motivation Over Manipulation
- Ask whether your actions benefit others or primarily serve your own agenda before you lead.
- Prefer motivation (mutual advantage) over manipulation (personal advantage).
Avoid The Easy Shortcut
- Reject what's easy when it compromises others; doing the right thing is often hard.
- Stop chasing shortcuts and choose the option that's best for everyone even if uphill.
