1. Introduction

This chapter gives an overview of our book and motivating language’s role in leadership and the workplace. Motivating language theory provides a framework for understanding effective leader communication. It classifies all major leader-to-follower communications into one of three categories: meaning-making, empathetic, and direction-giving language. Leaders use meaning-making language to convey cultural knowledge, values, and vision, and connect follower and organizational goals. Leaders use empathetic language to provide followers with emotional support and guidance. And leaders use direction-giving language to clarify the steps to attain the organizational vison, goals, follower job tasks, and reward expectations.