8 TED Talks to Inspire Your Inner Leader

There are multiple types of leaders in this world, across every industry, on every continent. But no two leaders are the same. Each has different skills, experiences, and views. We’ve selected eight TED Talks to inspire you to be the best leader you can be.

1) Dan Pink: The Puzzle of Motivation

Career analyst Dan Pink makes a case for rethinking how we run our businesses. He examines the puzzle of motivation, starting with a fact that traditional rewards aren’t always as effective as we think.

2) Derek Sivers: How to Start a Movement

In this quick but powerful talk, Derek Sivers explains how movements really get started. Want a quick hint? ‘The first follower is what transforms a lone nut into a leader.’

3) Amy Cuddy: Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are

Have you ever thought about how your body language affects how people see you, but more importantly, how you see yourself? Social psychologist Amy Cuddy shows how standing confidently can impact our chances for success.

4) Shawn Achor: The Happy Secret to Better Work

For those people who believe happiness is the result of hard work, you may have it backwards. In this hilarious talk, psychologist Shawn Achor argues that happiness is actually what inspires us to be more productive and work harder. So think positive!

5) Celeste Headlee: 10 ways to have a better conversation

Conversational competence might be the most important skill we often overlook. Celeste Headlee’s years of interview experience gives her a unique perspective on what makes for a good conversation. If your job hinges on how well you talk to people – listen up! Headlee shares 10 useful rules for having better conversations.

6) Drew Dudley: Everyday Leadership

How many people are comfortable calling themselves a leader? Not as many as you think. Drew Dudley believes leadership is not reserved for the extraordinary – and wants to help you discover your true leader within.

7) Sarah Lewis: Embrace the Near Win

What converts success to mastery? Art historian and critic Sarah Lewis explains how often times our fears and failures, the near wins, can lead to ultimate success.

8) Simon Sinek: How Great Leaders Inspire Action

Simon Sinek explains why some organizations and some leaders are able to inspire when others aren’t. He explores his discovery of the ‘golden circle’ – and the importance of asking “Why?” – using examples from Apple, Martin Luther King, and the Wright brothers.

We hope you found these leadership-inspired talks as useful and fascinating as we did. Do you have any expert tips for becoming a better leader? Or do you have any leadership challenges you want to share? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.