Leadership is sometimes like trying to herd cats, except the cats are people with different motivations, fears, and quirks. And let’s face it, sometimes even you, the leader, feel like one of those cats—pulled in different directions, not quite sure which way to go. That’s why understanding your core motivations—and how your ego comes into play—is essential for any leader.
We often talk about leadership in terms of skills and strategies, but what about the things below the surface that drive those outward actions? What fuels your decisions, reactions, and leadership style? And how does your ego—yes, that part of you that can sometimes leads you astray—affect your ability to lead effectively? These are questions every leader should consider if they want to lead with purpose and clarity and strength.
Understanding Core Motivations
Think about what drives you. This might seem like a simple task, but the answer is often more complex than we realize. Your core motivations are the underlying forces that shape your decisions, behaviours, and leadership style. They’re the “why” behind the “what” of your actions.
For some leaders, the drive might be about achieving success and recognition. You thrive on setting goals and crushing them, gaining satisfaction from the accolades that follow. For others, the motivation might be about creating harmony and ensuring everyone on the team feels valued and heard. Or perhaps it’s about maintaining control and ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
Whatever your core motivation, it’s important to recognize that it doesn’t just influence your big-picture decisions; it affects your day-to-day interactions as well. If you’re motivated by success, you might push your team hard to meet deadlines, sometimes at the expense of their well-being. If you’re driven by the need for harmony, you might avoid necessary confrontations, allowing issues to fester. By understanding what motivates you, you can make more intentional choices that align with your values and support your team in the best possible way. Especially if you are under stress.
The Role of Ego in Leadership
Now, let’s talk about the ego. The ego has a bad reputation, but it’s not inherently negative. In fact, it plays an important role in protecting your self-esteem and identity. The problem arises when your ego takes the driver’s seat, leading you to act out of fear, insecurity, or a need to prove something, rather than from a place of authenticity and purpose.
In leadership, the ego can manifest in various ways. Maybe under stress you find yourself needing to always be right, dismissing others’ ideas because they don’t align with your own. Or perhaps you’re constantly seeking validation, needing to be seen as the smartest or most competent person in the room. These ego-driven behaviours can create blind spots, leading to decisions that serve your ego but not necessarily your team or organization.
Recognizing when your ego is at play is crucial for effective leadership. It’s the difference between reacting defensively to feedback and using that feedback to grow. It’s the difference between micromanaging because you fear losing control and trusting your team to take ownership of their work. The more aware you are of your ego, the better equipped you’ll be to lead from a place of authenticity rather than insecurity.
A Story of Leadership Transformation
Consider Alan, the CEO of VisionTech, a fast-growing tech company. Alan was a classic example of a leader whose core motivation was success. Every decision and interaction was aimed at achieving recognition and results. As the company expanded, Alan took on more responsibilities, finding it increasingly difficult to delegate. The fear of losing control—and failing—loomed large, driven by Alan’s ego.
This approach began to take a toll on the team. The collaborative and innovative culture that once defined VisionTech started to erode. Deadlines became tighter, and the pressure on the team increased, leading to burnout and rising tensions.
One day, a senior engineer named Maya approached Alan. Maya had been with VisionTech since its early days and had always admired Alan’s vision. However, she noticed a shift in the company’s culture and decided to speak up.
“Alan,” Maya said, “I’ve noticed that the team is struggling. We’re all working hard, but it feels like we’re losing the collaboration and creativity that made VisionTech special. I think we need to take a step back and reassess what’s driving our decisions. Are we focused on what’s best for the team and the company’s long-term success, or are we just chasing success at any cost?”
Initially, Alan felt defensive, with the ego urging resistance. But Maya’s words resonated. Alan realized that the drive for success had led to an overbearing leadership style, compromising the very values that had fueled VisionTech’s growth.
Over the next few weeks, Alan reflected on these core motivations and the role his ego played in decision-making. It wasn’t just about achieving success; it was about building something meaningful and lasting. He now understood that effective leadership is recognizing what drives you, catching yourself when your ego is at play, and leading in a way that aligns with your values and supports your team.
Alan communicated openly with the team, acknowledging the challenges and committing to a different leadership approach. By delegating more and trusting the team’s capabilities, the culture at VisionTech began to shift back toward collaboration and creativity. The company continued to thrive—not just in terms of revenue, but in the strength of its culture and the positive impact it was making.
Benefits at Work
Understanding your core motivations and the role of your ego has several practical benefits in the workplace:
- Improved Decision-Making: When you’re aware of what drives you, you can make decisions that align with your true values rather than reacting out of fear or ego. This leads to more thoughtful, balanced decisions that consider the well-being of your team and the long-term success of your organization.
- Better Team Dynamics: By understanding your own motivations and those of your team members, you can foster a more collaborative and supportive work environment. You’ll be better equipped to navigate conflicts, motivate your team, and create a culture of trust and openness.
- Increased Self-Awareness: Self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence, which is crucial for effective leadership. The more you understand about what drives you and how your ego operates, the better you’ll be at managing your emotions and reactions, leading to more stable and resilient leadership.
- Enhanced Authenticity: Leading with authenticity means aligning your actions with your values and purpose. The Enneagram helps you strip away the layers of ego and get in touch with what truly matters to you, allowing you to lead in a way that’s genuine and inspiring to others.
- Long-Term Success: Ultimately, leaders who understand their core motivations and manage their ego are more likely to achieve long-term success. They’re able to navigate challenges with clarity, build strong relationships, and create a lasting positive impact on their organizations.
Conclusion
Leadership starts from within. It’s not just about the strategies you use or the goals you achieve—it’s about deeply understanding what drives you at your core. By uncovering your true motivations and mastering your ego, you unlock the power to lead with authenticity and purpose. Like Alan at VisionTech, when you commit to this inner work, you’ll find that leadership is less about control and more about meaningful connection—connection to your values, your team, and the greater mission of your organization. This journey toward self-awareness and ego mastery is challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding, enabling you to build not just a successful business, but a culture of trust, innovation, and lasting impact. In the end, the legacy you create isn’t just measured by your achievements, but by the positive influence you leave behind, ensuring your impact endures long after you’ve moved on. This is the true mark of leadership that stands the test of time.
