Abstract: This research brief explores how leadership, organizational commitment, work motivation, and trust intersect to impact employee job satisfaction. Drawing on research from industrial/organizational psychology, key variables influencing job satisfaction are identified. The brief then discusses how leadership can cultivate commitment through empowerment, connection to purpose, and fairness. The significance of supporting autonomy, developing competence, and assigning meaningful work for bolstering intrinsic motivation is also covered. Examples across healthcare, technology, and other sectors illustrate how these concepts manifest. The conclusion emphasizes that small acts of care through listening, explanation, recognition and transparency build the foundation of trust required to optimize engagement. Recommendations are provided for how managers can incorporate these relational priorities to strengthen cultures of fulfillment, performance and resilience over the long term.