Leadership is many things. It’s a responsibility to guide, inspire, and deliver results. It’s a valuable set of soft skills. It’s a complex skillset, a mindset. Furthermore, strong leadership is crucial for any business aiming to succeed in a competitive and constantly changing environment. So why do people want to be in leadership, and why is leadership so important in business?
Why do people choose to pursue leadership roles?
Taking on a leadership role is a significant career move that many people pursue, but few actually attain. It is far from easy, demands accountability, decision-making, and people management, and yet, people pursue it for a variety of reasons that go beyond salary or prestige.
Common motivations for wanting to be in leadership
A common answer to the question “Why do you want to be in leadership?” is the desire to make a difference. Leaders influence direction, set tone, and can help shape a better workplace. Many also want the challenge—leadership roles stretch people, pushing them to develop new skills and step out of their comfort zones. Others are motivated by the chance to support and develop others. They want to mentor, coach, and lift others up. And some people are just naturally wired to take initiative and see the bigger picture. For many, it’s also about being part of the solution. They want to be at the table when important decisions are made, not just on the receiving end.
How leadership roles help personal and professional growth
A significant part of leadership is helping others grow, but it’s a growth path for the leader, too. Taking on a leadership role sharpens critical thinking, emotional intelligence, communication, and strategic planning. Professionally, leadership experience opens doors to new roles and industries. Personally, it can build resilience, confidence, and a deeper understanding of how to work with diverse personalities and situations.
Why is leadership important in business success?
Strong leadership can make or break a company. Leaders throughout the whole company influence how goals are set, how people work together, and whether the business can weather challenges or fall apart under pressure. So, why is leadership important in business?
The role of leadership in driving team performance
What is the role of a leader in driving team performance? A big one. A leader directly impacts how a team performs. They are responsible for setting the emotional tone. A calm, decisive, and fair leader helps teams stay focused and motivated—even when things get tough. Without clear leadership, teams can become confused, disconnected, or unproductive. When leaders lead with consistency and purpose, performance tends to follow.
How good leadership shapes company culture and innovation
Leadership guides people and shapes work culture. Leaders model behaviors, set priorities, and influence how people treat one another. And when leaders encourage experimentation, support new ideas, and don’t punish failure, teams are more likely to take creative risks and innovation flourishes.
People also ask about leadership, motivation, and impact
Now we should take a look at some common FAQs about leadership, motivation, and impact, so that you don’t have to ask them.
How do you answer “Why do you want to be in leadership?” in an interview?
A strong answer to the question “Why do you want to be in leadership?” shows both self-awareness and alignment with the company’s goals. Focus on your motivation to serve, support, and contribute. For example:
“I want to be in leadership because I care about helping people grow and creating a positive team culture. I believe I can help the team perform better by providing clear direction, removing obstacles, and creating a space where people feel motivated to do their best work.”
What are the main qualities that make a successful business leader?
Great business leaders typically share key traits such as integrity, clarity, empathy, accountability and a strong vision. Be responsible, consistent, and always try to do what you think is best, even if it’s not easy.
How does leadership contribute to business growth?
Leadership influences every part of a business—from the way products are developed to how customers are treated. Strong leaders align teams, motivate performance, and make strategic decisions that fuel growth. Good leadership also helps retain top talent, because people tend to stay at companies where they feel heard, supported, and challenged. That translates into better execution, fewer disruptions, and more sustainable growth over time.
