When you need a little inspiration or something to challenge the way you think, a great place to spend some time is on TED.com. TED Talks are short speeches given by thought leaders, influencers, entertainers, business executives, academics, political leaders, authors, etc., with the responsibility of delivering “Ideas Worth Sharing.” As a leader, viewing talks from psychologists, business leaders, and authors can be very important as new research shows unique insights into the way people work. What motivates us? What are our common needs? How can I be the best version of myself today?
Here are 6 TED Talks every leader should watch:
1. “What it takes to be a great leader” by Roselinde Torres.
Roselinde asks tough questions that illuminate the leadership skills gaps in organizations. She asks:
• “Where are you looking to anticipate change?”
• “What is the diversity measure of your network?”
• “Are you courageous enough to abandon the past?”
These three questions highlight the importance of the depth of a leadership training program that will not only prepare you for the challenges of today but also the uncertainty of tomorrow.
2. “How great leaders inspire action” by Simon Sinek.
What is it that makes Martin Luther King, the Wright Brothers, and Steve Jobs different from and more successful than other leaders? Great leaders who are able to inspire others start with “Why” not “What?” They inspire from the inside-out.
3. “Why good leaders make you feel safe,” by Simon Sinek.
Simon shares the difference between authorities and leaders and how a true leader makes their employees feel safe. True leaders sacrifice themselves before they ask their employees to make any sacrifice.
4. “Why We Do What We Do” by Tony Robbins.
Tony Robbins believes that once we understand the psychological needs that drive our behaviors, we can better understand our own motivations and the motivations of our team members.
5. “The puzzle of motivation” by Dan Pink.
Offering larger rewards does not guarantee motivation or results. We need to understand the cognitive skill required for a given task to understand which rewards will create results. Often, autonomy, mastery, and purpose are more important drivers of motivation than financial rewards.
6. “Listen, Learn, then Lead” by Stanley McChrystal.
Former Four-Star General Stanley McChrystal talks about leading diverse teams under uncertain, volatile and ambiguous environments. He shares his belief that leadership isn’t easy and isn’t always fair—“Leaders can let you fail, but not let you be a failure.”