Ted Talks Every Nurse Leader Should Watch

By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, FAAN

What if a short 15-20 minute video could capture the essence of a very creative person’s thinking on a challenging topic? Well there are such videos out there and they are totally free – known as TED talks. 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. TED talks are on a wide range of topics with some related to personal experiences, and others such as The Ted talks on leadership focused specifically on leadership topics. What is often amazing to me is how I have expanded my thinking on a topic just by watching a short video.

The following are 10 of my favorite TED Talks on leadership that I believe every nurse leader should watch:

What Makes Us Feel Good About Our Work – Dan Ariely

What motivates us to work? Contrary to conventional wisdom, it isn’t just money. But it’s not exactly joy either. It seems that most of us thrive by making constant progress and feeling a sense of purpose. Behavioral economist Dan Ariely presents two eye-opening experiments that reveal our unexpected and nuanced attitudes toward meaning in our work.

What Makes a Great Leader Today – Roselinde Torres

The world is full of leadership programs, but the best way to learn how to lead might be right under your nose. In this clear, candid talk, Roselinde Torres describes 25 years observing truly great leaders at work, and shares the three simple but crucial questions would-be company chiefs need to ask to thrive in the future.

The Career Advice You Probably Didn’t Get – Susan Colantuono

You’re doing everything right at work, taking all the right advice, but you’re just not moving up. Why? Susan Colantuono shares a simple, surprising piece of advice you might not have heard before quite so plainly.

Got a Wicked Problem – First Tell Me How You Make Toast – Tom Wujec

Making toast doesn’t sound very complicated — until someone asks you to draw the process, step by step. Tom Wujec loves asking people and teams to draw how they make toast, because the process reveals unexpected truths about how we can solve our biggest, most complicated problems at work.

Our Body Language Shapes Who We Are – Amy Cuddy

Body language affects how others see us, but it may also change how we see ourselves. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy shows how “power posing” — standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don’t feel confident — can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain, and might even have an impact on our chances for success.

The Puzzle of Motivation – Daniel Pink

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.

How Great Leaders Inspire Action – Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek has a simple but powerful model for inspirational leadership all starting with a golden circle and the question “Why?”

The Power of Vulnerability – Brene Brown

How do we learn to embrace our vulnerabilities and imperfections so that we can engage in our lives from a place of authenticity and worthiness? How do we cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection that we need to recognize that we are enough – that we are worthy of love, belonging, and joy?

The Power of Introverts – Susan Cain

In a culture where being social and outgoing are prized above all else, it can be difficult, even shameful, to be an introvert. But, as Susan Cain argues in this passionate talk, introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world, and should be encouraged and celebrated.

Dare to Disagree – Margaret Heffernan

Most people instinctively avoid conflict, but as Margaret Heffernan shows us, good disagreement is central to progress. She illustrates (sometimes counterintuitively) how the best partners aren’t echo chambers — and how great research teams, relationships and businesses allow people to deeply disagree.