As we near the end of 2014, many of us are thinking about annual performance reviews, strategic goal planning, holiday parties, and New Year’s resolutions. I’m no exception, and have almost become obsessed with a list of things I want to do next year to further my personal and professional development.
I believe the key to lasting resolutions is inspiration. We can be inspired and influenced through personal experience or from the teachings and lessons of others. We need to accept inspiration as a gift and open our minds to what can be as opposed to what is.
This year, as Ironstone’s team prepares for professional development, we picked a few of our favorite TED Talks to share with you. Each video offers a fresh and engaging look at success, motivation, and leadership. I encourage you to share the videos with your team and hope you find valuable insight and inspiration as we did.
Angela Lee Duckworth – The Key to Success
Do you know the real key to success? This video reveals the one significant predictor of success you need for the New Year.
Quote:
“One characteristic emerged as a significant predictor of success. And it wasn’t social intelligence. It wasn’t good looks, physical health, and it wasn’t I.Q. It was grit. Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality. Grit is living life likes it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
Daniel Pink – The Puzzle of Motivation
Ready to rethink how you run your business? Daniel Pink explores what he refers to as a mismatch between “what science knows and what business does” to motivate people. Traditional rewards aren’t always as effective as we think. This video will inspire you to rethink the power of incentives.
Quote:
“If we really want high performance on those definitional tasks of the 21st century, the solution is not to do more of the wrong things, to entice people with a sweeter carrot, or threaten them with a sharper stick. We need a whole new approach.”
Simon Sinek – Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe
True leadership leaves a legacy. Simon Sinek suggests that great leaders make employees feel safe and draw them into a circle of trust.
Quote:
“You see, if the conditions are wrong, we are forced to expend our own time and energy to protect ourselves from each other, and that inherently weakens the organization. When we feel safe inside the organization, we will naturally combine our talents and our strengths and work tirelessly to face the dangers outside and seize the opportunities.”
“Leadership is a choice. It is not a rank.”
We would love to hear from you. Let us know your favorite TEDTalk and how you applied the message to further your firm, professional development or your own personal drive for success.
The foundation of our Performance Coaching and Consulting Programs are based on Ironstone’s Fundamental 4™, which is essential to design, develop, and sustain a successful business. Our ultimate goal is to help you avoid trial and error; shifting your mindset to launch your process of intentional change. [LEARN MORE]