TED Talks are a wonderful resource for inspiring new ideas and new perspectives in all of us. TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design.
The best talks from their conferences around the world end up as videos you can watch at your convenience. I picked out six which may be inspiring and enlightening from the expansive TED library at www.TED.com to share with you. Click on a title to view the video and and expand your mind.
I suggest you don't watch more than one in a day. Give your mind some time to reflect on what it might mean to you. I'd love to hear which one(s) resonate with you and how your leadership behavior might change because of it. You can use the comments section below. Consider also subscribing to receive this blog as an email and feel free to share the blog with others who might find it interesting. Click a title below to watch the corresponding video.
Simon Sinek: How great leaders inspire action
Simon Sinek, an expert on leadership, showcases a simple but effective model in this talk that can help show you how to be a more inspirational leader. He has a simple but powerful model for inspirational leadership all starting with a golden circle and the question "Why?" His examples include Apple, Martin Luther King, and the Wright brothers. (18:05)
Nancy Duarte: The secret structure of great talks
While they might have different messages, this talk will show you that great speeches all have something in common that makes them, well, great. Watch and listen to find out what you can do to make your own talks more powerful, motivational, and inspiring. From the "I have a dream" speech to Steve Jobs' iPhone launch, all great presentations have a common architecture. Nancy Duarte draws lessons on how to make a powerful call-to-action. (18:08)
Richard St. John's 8 secrets of success
This short talk boils down some of the fundamentals that will help separate successful leaders and entrepreneurs from the pack. From persistence to passion, leaders can learn what they'll need to focus on to make the most of their ideas, human resources, and position. Why do people succeed? Is it because they're smart? Or are they just lucky? Neither. Analyst Richard St. John condenses years of interviews into an unmissable brief slideshow on the real secrets of success. (3:33)
Dan Pink on the surprising science of motivation
Think you know what will motivate the people you're leading? As you'll learn in this talk from Dan Pink, you probably don't have a clue what really motivates people. Watch to learn why traditional reward systems aren't as effective as you might think and what you can do to truly motivate anyone under your leadership. Career analyst Dan Pink examines the puzzle of motivation, starting with a fact that social scientists know but most managers don't: Traditional rewards aren't always as effective as we think. Listen for illuminating stories -- and maybe, a way forward. (18:40)
Itay Talgam: Lead like the great conductors
Conductors have a big challenge on their shoulders, having to bring dozens of instruments together into perfect harmony. Their work offers some inspiring and fundamental lessons for anyone in a leadership position, which you'll find highlighted in this lecture. An orchestra conductor faces the ultimate leadership challenge: creating perfect harmony without saying a word. In this charming talk, Itay Talgam demonstrates the unique styles of six great 20th-century conductors, illustrating crucial lessons for all leaders. (20:52)
Julian Treasure: 5 ways to listen better
Leaders not only need to be great speakers but also great listeners. In this talk, you'll learn five critical tips for being a better listener that can in turn make you a better leader. In our louder and louder world, says sound expert Julian Treasure, "We are losing our listening." In this short, fascinating talk, Treasure shares five ways to re-tune your ears for conscious listening -- to other people and the world around you. (7:50)
Enjoy your viewing!
- Herb