Leadership and Motivation—A Rough Guide to Leadership Models and Theories

We’ll first take a brief look at some commonly held theories and views of motivation—Maslow, Herzberg and Fayol—before considering the work of John Adair.

Theories of Motivation

So, let’s take a look at the work of the twentieth century motivation gurus.

People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing — that’s why we recommend it daily. – Zig Ziglar

There are many competing theories and models of motivation that all help to explain the behaviour of people at certain times.

A useful starting point is Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow’s starting point is that people are needy. That they always want more. Maslow arranges these needs in five levels: