Motivational leadership refers to someone leading others by motivating them to strive for certain goals rather than simply act on orders. The leader tries to create a safe and trusting environment, and ensure the organization is positioned for success in its domain—for example, a company in the marketplace. Some interpret motivational leadership principles as requiring that a leader establish strong ethics, clear vision, definable values, authentic communication, and be genuinely motivated to promote collaboration and a positive working environment.

Vince Lombardi was a coach in the National Football League for the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers. After his five year tenure with the Giants, he signed a five year deal to coach the Packers. Lombardi transformed the Packers from a team that had a record of 1-10-1 in 1958, the previous year, to 7-5 in 1959, Lombardi’s first year. Lombardi went on to lead the Packers to three straight and five total league championships. Lombardi’s success was based on how he coached. Lombardi demanded excellence and told players that once they understood themselves, they could add to that and build character, integrity, and dedication. Lombardi had a violent temper, but that only was illustrated due to the passion he had for the game. Lombardi promised that if his players obeyed his rules, they would be winners. Lombardi certainly held up his end of the bargain, winning two Super Bowls with the Packers.

Herb Brooks: Coach Brooks is an iconic figure for his motivational speech before the 1980 championship game in which USA played a championship hockey game against the Soviets. The Soviets were heavy favorites to win and Brooks, in his speech, said that the Soviets would probably win 9 times out of 10. Brooks motivated his team to go out and play as if it was their night, as if they deserved this game. If not for the brilliant and motivating speech by Brooks, who knows if team USA would have defeated the Soviets in 1980.

Ray Lewis: Ray Lewis had a 17 year career in the National Football League with the Baltimore Ravens. Lewis is known for his devotion to Christianity and his outstanding leadership. He is not only a leader on the field with his teammates, but a leader off the field with charity work for disadvantaged youth.