Leadership 101 

This is a curated collection of TED talks and readings that are part of the University of Louisville Medical School self-directed curriculum for the Distinction in Business and Leadership Track. See more about the program on our introduction page.

Leadership 101 covers some key concepts of leadership, motivation, emotional intelligence, decision making, communication. Take a look at Leadership 201 and 301 for more advanced topics.

Leadership Curriculum 

This is a curated collection of TED talks and readings that are used in the Distinction in Business and Leadership Track at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. The Distinction tracks are extracurricular pathways in the undergraduate medical school that provide students with mentorship and education in specific disciplines: research, medical education, global health and business/leadership. The Faculty for the Business and Leadership Track are Dr. In Kim and Dr. Brad Sutton. 

Leadership

How Great Leaders Inspire Action

Simon Sinek has a simple but powerful moder for inspirational leadership -- starting with a golden circle and the question "Why?" His examples include Apple, Martin Luther King and the Wright brothers.

Relational Leadership

Four-star general Stanley McChrystal shares what he learned about leadership over his decades in the military. How can you build a sense of shared purpose among people of many ages and skill sets? By listening and learning -- and addressing the possibility of failure.

What it Takes to be a Great Leader

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.

This talk starts slowly, we recommend beginning around 4 minutes and 50 seconds into the talk. 

Suggested Readings:

• Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World by Stanley McCrystal

• The One Minute Manager by Kenneth H. Blanchard and Spencer Johnson

motivation 

The Puzzle of Motivation

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. Listen for illuminating stories -- and maybe, a way forward.

Feeling Good About Work

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-opneing experiments that reveal our unexpected and nuanced attitudes toward meaning in our work. 

How to Start a Movement

With help from some surprising footage, Derek Sivers explains how movements really get started. (Hint: It takes two). 

Suggested Reading List:

• Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us By Daniel H. Pink.

Emotional intelligence

Emotional Intelligence Introduction

Katherine Fortier is a child and educational psychologist in the U.S. and the Netherlands specializing in psycho-educational consultations. In this TEDx talk, she discusses the value of emotional intelligence as opposed to IQ which is often looked to as the primary measure of intelligence. 

Why EQ Is More Important than IQ

Happiness and love are rooted in personal relationships. Learn the four stages of developing your awareness and emotional management skills. DIscover why EQ is even more important than IQ to your success and fulfillment. 

Suggested Reading:

• Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry

• Emotional Intelligence: Why it Can Matter More than IQ by Daniel Goleman

Decision Making

How to Make Hard Choices

Here's a talk that could literally change your life. Which career should I pursue? Should I break up -- or get married?! Where should I live? Big decisions like these can be agonizingly difficult. But that's because we think about them the wrong way, says philosopher Ruth Chang. She offers a powerful new framework for shaping who we truly are. 

Why We Make Bad Decisions

Dan Gilbert presents research and data from his exploration of happiness -- sharing some surprising tests and experiments that you can also try on yourself. Watch through to the end for a sparl

Non-rational Decision Making

 Magnus Walker talks about his life journey of following his passion and going with his gut feeling which eventually led him to turning his dreams into his reality.

Suggested reading:

• The 4 Disciplines of Execution: Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals by Chris McChesney

listening and communication

Better Listening

In our louder and louder world, says sound expert, Julian Treasure, "We are losing our listening." In this short, fascinating talk, Treasure shares five ways to re-tune your ears for conscious listening -- to other people and the world around you. 

How to Speak Better

Have you ever felt like you're talking, but nobody is listening? Here's Julian Treasure to help. In this useful talk, the sound expert demonstrates the how-to's of powerful speaking -- from some handy vocal exercises to tips on how to speak with empathy. A talk that might help the world sound more beautiful. 

Lead Like The Great Conductors

An orchestra conductor faces the ultimate leadership challenge: creating perfect harmony without saying a word. In this charming talk, Itay Talgam demonstrates the unique styles of six great 20th-century conductors, illustrating crucial lessons for all leaders.

Suggested Reading: 

• Zapp! The Lightning of empowerment: How to Improve Quality, Productivity and Employee Satisfaction by William Byham and Jeff Cox

More Leadership Topics: