How To Become A Great Leader- Analysing The Impact Of Motivation To Be A Leader And Leader'S Qualities On Employees Performance

Leadership plays a central role in aligning employees' efforts, strengthening motivation, and improving organisational outcomes. This study examines how motivation to lead and the qualities of an effective leader influence employee performance. The research is based on a quantitative survey conducted among 245 respondents from public and private organisations. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire measuring three main constructs: motivation to lead, qualities of a good leader, and employee performance. The items were assessed using a five-point Likert scale, and the proposed relationships were analysed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling. The findings indicate that both motivation to lead and leader qualities have a positive and significant effect on employee performance. Leader qualities showed the stronger influence, suggesting that communication, empathy, responsibility, decision-making capacity, openness to innovation, and the ability to inspire employees are particularly important for improving workplace outcomes. Motivation to lead also contributes meaningfully to performance by encouraging initiative, engagement, and willingness to assume responsibility. The study contributes to leadership research by integrating motivational aspects and leader qualities within a single empirical model. Its practical relevance lies in demonstrating that organisations can improve employee performance by investing in leadership development programmes focused not only on technical or managerial skills, but also on intrinsic motivation, interpersonal competence, ethical conduct, and continuous professional development.