There’s no set formula for what makes an effective leader. Some people make it to the top and others don’t, but contrary to popular belief, it’s not all a game of wealth. The following TED Talks, given by thought leaders in their respective fields, explore various factors that contribute to the success of those who reach the top—and the factors that have kept some from reaching their true potential. Scroll down to get incredibly inspired by these leaders, and before you know it, you’ll be inspired to grow as a leader yourself.
1. Sheryl Sandberg: Why we have too few women leaders
Sheryl Sandberg discusses the lack of top female leaders in all professions throughout the world and ponders why this is the case. She delivers three key messages she believes will encourage more women to strive for top roles in their fields: Sit at the table, make your partner a real partner, and don’t leave before you leave.
2. Julian Treasure: How to speak so that people want to listen
Julian Treasure gives advice on how to be more engaging in conversation. What you say and how you say it determines how effectively your message is delivered. Julian explains certain speaking habits to avoid—including gossip, judging, and negativity—and he breaks down four powerful cornerstones of speech to follow to make sure your voice is heard.
3. Simon Sinek: How great leaders inspire action
Simon Sinek gives a thoughtful TED Talk on why some leaders are able to inspire and others are not. His concept is based on what he calls the golden circle: how knowing why we do what we do can be the key to unlocking success and inspiration.
4. Bill Gross: The single biggest reason why startups succeed
Bill Gross has created more than 100 companies over the past 20 years. Some were wildly successful (including Idealab), but others flopped. Curious about what causes some ventures to thrive and others to fail, Bill researched the factors that matter most when it comes to a company’s success—or lack thereof. He shares the surprising results of his research.
We all have the potential to be leaders, but tapping into that potential isn’t easy. Having a deeper understanding of success—what contributes to it and what hinders it—can help put you on the path to leadership, even if it’s something as simple as adjusting the cadence of your voice. Cheers to you!
This first appeared in Forbes.