This exploratory study examined of the relationship between employee motivation orientations and leader behaviors through Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and the Worthy Leadership Model (WL). Leader Member Exchange theory (LMX) and SDT provide theoretical support for the present study. Structural equation modeling (SEM) provides correlations on a direct path analysis between the SDT constructs of intrinsic, identified, introjected and external motivation regulations and the WL constructs of capacity, character and commitment to lead. Results indicated when the leader’s capacity, commitment, and character to lead increased the degree of participant intrinsic, identified and introjected motivation decreased. The results also found that external motivation was insignificant with WL constructs. The impact of multicollinearity and suggestions for future research are included.