Contrary to popular belief, leadership is not something people are born with, but rather something learned through research or experience. Some of the most successful companies in the world know this and are starting to make sure that this understanding of leadership is passed down to their team leaders, managers, head supervisors, and essentially anyone in a leadership role.
However, getting to everyone can be an almost impossible task, especially within a large business. Fortunately, there is one great way to introduce to people the science behind leadership, and that is through TED Talks. The following list includes a few of the best TED talks on workplace leadership.
Dan Pink: The Puzzle of Motivation
We’ve all been there before, providing instruction, assigning tasks, and barking out orders only to have zero participation or attempt to do well on a project. It is often not that you have lazy employees but rather that they aren’t being provided the work that makes them tick. In this Ted Talk, Dan Pink goes into detail regarding the puzzle that is people. He destroys the notion that people are simply motivated by more money and goes in-depth regarding motivation in the workplace.
John Wooden: The Difference Between Winning & Succeeding
Win, win, win is usually the only matter we hear within the corporate world. If you win, you’re going straight to the top, they would say. In this TED talk, John Wooden explains the mistake that many people tend to do when determining what is winning and what is succeeding and how they ultimately confuse the two. You can succeed without actually winning as progression is an essential aspect of human growth
Simon Sinek: Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe
Speak to anyone on the street, and they will no doubt be able to tell you about some of the most deceiving bosses they’ve ever had. The fact is that employees want to be led, but they will only accept that leadership if they trust it. In this TED talk, Simon Sinek breaks the notion of having the leader separate from the employee. Simon adds that leaders, especially now, must make an effort to make their employees feel safe. Only then will they not only follow you but produce positive results for you.