Leaders are never satisfied with results – They always want more
By Dr Philimon Chitagu, PhD
True leadership is fuelled not by complacency, but by a relentless drive for growth, improvement, and impact. One defining trait of great leaders across industries, cultures, and eras is their dissatisfaction with the status quo, even when success is evident. They view results not as a finish line, but as a checkpoint. For them, every achievement opens the door to new possibilities, higher standards, and tougher challenges.
The Hunger That Drives Progress
At first glance, this mindset may seem overly demanding. Why not pause to celebrate a job well done? Why keep pushing when the goal has already been met? The answer lies in a leader’s vision. Unlike managers who may focus on maintaining performance, visionary leaders are constantly asking: “What’s next? How can we be better? What haven’t we tried yet?”
This hunger for more isn’t rooted in greed or dissatisfaction, but in purpose. Whether it’s Elon Musk pushing the boundaries of space travel, or a school principal striving for better literacy rates, real leaders are fuelled by the potential of what could be, rather than what has been.
Growth Mindset in Action
Leaders who are never satisfied often embody a “growth mindset”, a belief that skills, knowledge, and outcomes can always be improved. This doesn’t mean they ignore achievements or fail to appreciate hard work; rather, they use results as feedback, not finality. A sales team may break quarterly records, but a forward-thinking leader will ask how to sustain it, improve customer satisfaction, or expand into new markets.
This drive creates a culture of excellence within organizations. Teams led by such individuals tend to become more innovative, more resilient, and more motivated. Why? Because they’re inspired by a leader who believes in continuous improvement and refuses to settle for “good enough.”
The Balance Between Ambition and Burnout
However, it’s important to note that while the pursuit of more can be motivating, it must be balanced. A leader must understand when to push and when to pause. The best leaders don’t just demand more; they inspire others to want more, for themselves, their team, and their shared mission.
Leadership is not about being perpetually dissatisfied in a negative sense, but about holding a deep belief that potential is limitless. It’s about celebrating wins while still setting the next challenge, acknowledging progress while staying committed to evolution.
Conclusion
In the world of leadership, satisfaction is temporary. Great leaders are not content with simply reaching a goal, they are driven by the pursuit of what lies beyond it. This unending desire to learn, grow, and improve is not only what sets them apart, but what propels their organizations and the world forward.
So yes, leaders are never truly satisfied with results. And that’s precisely why they lead.
Dr Philimon Chitagu, is an Executive and Team Coach (MGSCC), A Leadership Coach and Mentor, A Global Leadership Assessment Coach (MGSCC), OD Specialist, Labour Expert, Chartered HR Practitioner (IPMZ), Hall of Fame Inductee (IPMZ), An author of eleven (11) HR and Leadership Books, and A keynote speaker.
