In this blog post, we'll explore a curated selection of TED Talks that delve into various facets of leadership. From understanding what motivates us in our work to redefining leadership in everyday contexts, these talks provide a diverse perspective on leadership. They are not just conferences; They are conversations that inspire and challenge our preconceived notions. Whether you are an aspiring leader, a seasoned executive, or simply someone curious about the dynamics of leadership, these talks offer valuable lessons and thought-provoking insights.
TED Talks on leadership
Here are some of the best TED talks on leadership:
1. “How Great Leaders Inspire Action” by Simon Sinek
In this insightful talk, Simon Sinek presents his model of inspirational leadership, beginning with the 'Golden Circle' and the central question of “Why?” He illustrates his point with examples from Apple, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Wright Brothers, showing how leaders who start with “why” can spark meaningful movements and inspire change.
2. “The Surprising Habits of Original Thinkers” by Adam Grant
Organizational psychologist Adam Grant examines the unique traits of “originals,” those who conceive new ideas and act to bring them to life. In his talk, he reveals three unexpected habits of these people, including their way of dealing with failure. Grant highlights the importance of perseverance and embracing a multitude of ideas, stressing that the most successful originals are often the ones who fail the most, as they are the ones who try the hardest.
3. Why we have too few women leaders, by Sheryl Sandberg
Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg addresses the gender gap in leadership roles. She explores why fewer women reach the top levels of their professions and offers three powerful pieces of advice for women aspiring to senior management. Sandberg's ideas are a call to action for both women and organizations to rethink the dynamics of leadership.
4. “Why I Stopped Trying to Be 'Man Enough,'” by Justin Baldoni
Actor and director Justin Baldoni invites men to join a conversation about redefining masculinity. He talks about his personal journey to understand masculinity beyond social norms. Baldoni challenges men to use their traditional masculine traits (strength, bravery, toughness) in new ways, such as being open to vulnerability.
5. “Why the secret to success is setting the right goals” by John Doerr
Venture capitalist John Doerr makes a compelling case for goal setting through “Objectives and Key Results” (OKRs). He argues that many leadership failures are due to pursuing the wrong goals and demonstrates how OKRs have driven success at major organizations like Google and Intel.
6. “Why you think you're right, even if you're wrong,” by Julia Galef
Julia Galef explores the impact of perspective on our beliefs and decision making. She contrasts the “soldier” mentality, which defends one's beliefs at all costs, with the “explorer” mentality, driven by curiosity to understand the world accurately. Galef's talk is a compelling call to take a more open and inquisitive approach to our beliefs and opinions.
7. “The Difference Between Winning and Succeeding” by John Wooden
Legendary basketball coach John Wooden redefines success in his insightful talk. He shares the wisdom he imparted to his UCLA players, emphasizing personal bests and integrity over traditional metrics of success. Wooden's approach to leadership and success is timeless and inspiring.
8. “How to Speak for Yourself” by Adam Galinsky
Social psychologist Adam Galinsky offers practical advice on how to assert yourself, navigate complex social situations, and increase personal power. His talk is a guide to finding your voice, advocating for yourself effectively, and meeting the challenges of speaking.
9. “What makes us feel good about our work?” by Dan Ariely
Behavioral economist Dan Ariely delves into what really motivates us at work, challenging the conventional notion that money is the main driver. He presents compelling experiments showing that a sense of progress and purpose play an important role in our job satisfaction. Ariely's insights offer a deeper understanding of our nuanced attitudes toward finding meaning in our work.
10. “Three Questions You Should Ask Yourself About Everything You Do” by Stacey Abrams
Stacey Abrams, known for her historic nomination as the first Black woman for U.S. governor by a major party, delivers an inspiring talk on character and resilience. She shares lessons from her campaign for governor in Georgia and emphasizes the importance of being bold in one's own ambitions and the power of self-reflection for personal and global change.
eleven. “What it takes to be a great leader”, by Roselinde Torres
Roselinde Torres, with 25 years of observing leaders, summarizes her knowledge of what constitutes great leadership. In her talk, she poses three critical questions that aspiring leaders must ask themselves to be successful in the future. Torres' approach offers a new perspective on leadership development, focusing on practical, everyday actions.
12. “Everyday Leadership” by Drew Dudley
Drew Dudley redefines leadership as a daily act to improve the lives of others. In his funny and impactful talk, he encourages everyone to recognize and celebrate their own leadership, showing how small, often unnoticed actions can significantly influence the lives of others. Dudley's message highlights the importance of recognizing and accepting our potential to lead in everyday situations.
Final thoughts
As we conclude this journey through some of the most compelling TED Talks on leadership, it is clear that leadership is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It is a multifaceted and evolving journey. From Dan Ariely's insights into what motivates us at work to Stacey Abrams' powerful message about resilience and ambition, each talk brings a unique perspective. Roselinde Torres challenges us to rethink our approach to leadership, while Drew Dudley democratizes the concept and shows how everyday actions can have a profound impact.
