There are some great TED talks out there about leadership. Here are 15 of the best, most insightful and inspiring talks on leadership.
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1. "Why good leaders make you feel safe" by Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek explores what it takes to be a good leader. He explains that the key to being a good leader is making those around you feel safe. When people feel safe, they are able to take risks and be creative. This is what allows businesses and organizations to thrive.
- 12 minutes
2. "Everyday leadership" by Drew Dudley
Drew Dudley talks about the importance of everyday leadership. He explains that everyone has the potential to be a leader and that it doesn't take grand gestures to make a difference. Everyday leadership is about small acts of kindness and inclusion that make the world a better place.
- 6 minutes
3. "Are you a giver or a taker?" by Adam Grant
Adam Grant explores the idea of giving and taking in the workplace. He explains that there are two types of people in the world: givers and takers. Givers are those who are always willing to help others and contribute to the success of their team. Takers, on the other hand, are those who only care about themselves and their own success. Grant argues that the world needs more givers, as they are the ones who truly make a difference.
- 13 minutes
4. "What makes us feel good about our work?" by Dan Ariely
Dan Ariely explores the idea of motivation in the workplace. He explains that there are three things that people need in order to feel good about their work: autonomy, relatedness, and purpose. People need to feel like they have a say in what they do, that their work is connected to something larger, and that their work has meaning. When these things are present, people are more likely to be motivated and engaged in their work.
- 20 min
5. "Confessions of a recovering micromanager" by Chieh Huang
Chieh Huang talks about his experience as a micromanager. He explains that he used to be a control freak who needed to know everything that was going on in his company. However, he realized that this wasn't sustainable and that it was actually holding his company back. He decided to let go and trust his team, and it made a world of difference.
- 12 minutes
6. "How great leaders inspire action" by Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek explains how great leaders inspire action. He argues that the key to inspiring action is to start with why. Leaders need to find their purpose and then communicate that to others. When people understand the why behind what a leader is doing, they are more likely to be inspired to take action.
- 18 minutes
7. "How to start a movement" by Derek Sivers
Derek Sivers explains how movements start. He argues that it only takes one person to start a movement. The key is to be that first person. Once you are the first person, others will follow.
- 3 min
8. "8 lessons on building a company people enjoy working for" by Patty McCord
Patty McCord discusses the importance of building a company that people enjoy working for. She explains that in order to do this, businesses need to focus on four things: trust, transparency, communication, and respect. When these things are present, employees are more likely to be happy and engaged in their work.
- 5 minutes
9. "How to speak so that people want to listen" by Julian Treasure
Julian Treasure explains how to speak so that people want to listen. He argues that the key is to be clear, concise, and honest. People also need to feel like they are being heard and understood. When these things are present, people are more likely to listen.
- 10 minutes
10. "10 ways to have a better conversation" by Celeste Headlee
Celeste Headlee explains how to have a better conversation. She argues that the key is to be present, to listen more than you speak, and to avoid judgement. When these things are present, conversations are more likely to be productive and meaningful.
- 11 minutes
11. "Why great leaders take humor seriously" by Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas
Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas explain why great leaders take humour seriously. They argue that humour is a powerful tool that can help leaders connect with others, build trust, and create a positive work environment. When used correctly, humour can be a powerful tool for leaders.
- 9 minutes
12. "Why the best hire might not have the perfect resume" by Regina Hartley
Regina Hartley explains why the best hire might not have the perfect resume. She argues that businesses need to focus on potential rather than experience. When they do this, they are more likely to find employees who are passionate and engaged in their work.
- 10 minutes
13. "Dare to disagree'' by Margaret Heffernan
Margaret Heffernan discusses the importance of disagreeing. She argues that disagreement is essential for progress. When people are afraid to disagree, they are less likely to challenge the status quo and innovate.
- 13 minutes
14. "3 ways to be a better ally in the workplace" by Melinda Briana Epler
Melinda Briana Epler explains how to be a better ally in the workplace. She argues that allies need to be aware of their privilege, use their privilege to elevate marginalized voices, and take action when they see injustice. When these things are present, allies can make a meaningful difference in the workplace.
- 9 minutes
15. "3 ways to create a work culture that brings out the best in employees" by Chris White
Chris White discusses how to create a work culture that brings out the best in employees. He argues that businesses need to focus on creating an environment of trust, respect, and collaboration. When these things are present, employees are more likely to be engaged and productive.
- 13 minutes
