Being a leader can be difficult. Leaders have to handle tough situations constantly, and sometimes it will seem like they just can’t win. If you ever get to the point where you need inspiration as a leader, a great way to find it is by watching TED Talks on leadership. There are dozens of TED Talks about leadership by some of the world’s greatest leaders, with each one giving a unique perspective that would be hard to find elsewhere. Without further ado, here are a few of the best TED Talks on leadership.
The Puzzle of Motivation – Dan Pink
Being a great leader requires knowing what makes people tick and how they motivate themselves to give their best. Money only takes you so far.
In his compelling video, Dan Pink shows how the web of motivation can be explained in a way that makes sense to leaders. He also debunks the idea that traditional rewards are always as motivating as we think.
What Makes Us Feel Good About Our Work? – Dan Ariely
Dan Ariely is an expert on human motivation, and he’s gained a deeper understanding of the subject than most economists could hope for. He’s even designed experiments that could help solve the mystery of why people are motivated.
According to Dan, money isn’t the only reason people work. The real motivation for most people is to make continuous progress and to lead a life of purpose. Leaders who are passionate about their work are those who are committed to making a difference in the world.
Lead Like The Great Conductors – Itay Talgam
In Itay Talgram’s talk, “Conducting an Orchestra,” he uses the metaphor of the conductor to talk about how leaders can learn from six different 20th-century conductors.
In his talk, Talgam talks about the magic moment when a conductor makes a small gesture that makes the chaos around them into beautiful music, relating that to how leaders can do the same thing in their own environment.
The Key To Success? Grit – Angela Lee Duckworth
Angela Lee Duckworth says that being successful requires both grit and hard work. She asks why these characteristics are so hard to apply. This quick talk by Duckworth is an essential listen for anyone who’s been getting pushed into taking shortcuts.