10 Must-Watch TED Talks for the HR
In this curated list discover 10 engaging TED Talks that will help you gain fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and practical insights to elevate your HR game and enhance impact in your workplace.
Hello there, mate!
Welcome to HR.show:) We're all about keeping things real and relevant in the world of Human Resources. Whether you're an HR professional, a business owner, or just someone with a keen interest in the ins and outs of the workplace, you're in the right place.
Okay, let’s get right into it! In this issue, we're ditching the typical "happiness at work" talks and diving into TED talks that will challenge your perspective and equip you to develop cutting-edge HR strategies for your organization.
Here are 10 TED Talks curated specifically to empower HR professionals:
How we can use the hiring process to bring out the best in people: Gil Winch | The Way We Work
Feeling stuck in a resume rut? Winch argues for a hiring process that goes beyond qualifications. Learn how to develop a framework that uncovers a candidate's potential, cultural fit, and capacity for growth. This will help you build high-performing teams who are enthusiastic and invested in the company's mission.
Make it happen: Revise your interview questions to focus on a candidate's potential and how they would handle real-world scenarios relevant to the role.
Why it's time to forget the pecking order at work: Margaret Heffernan | The Power of a Flatter Structure
Is your organization in a hierarchical trench? Heffernan dismantles the traditional top-down structure, proposing a more collaborative and purpose-driven environment. This talk will inspire you to empower teams to work together towards a shared goal, fostering innovation and engagement.
Make it happen: Consider restructuring teams or implementing project-based initiatives to encourage collaboration and break down silos within your organization.
The Power of Vulnerability: Brené Brown | Build Trust & Psychological Safety
This isn't your typical HR talk, but Brown's message on embracing vulnerability is crucial for building trust and authentic connections within your teams. Fostering a safe space for vulnerability allows for open communication, stronger relationships, and a more supportive work environment.
Make it happen: Implement training programs or workshops on vulnerability and psychological safety in the workplace. Lead by example and encourage open communication within your own team.
Why Work Doesn't Happen at Work: Jason Fried | Boost Productivity & Employee Satisfaction
Endless meetings and open office plans zapping your team's productivity? Fried challenges the traditional office setup, advocating for a more remote-friendly and distraction-free work style. Explore how to create a culture of trust and autonomy, where employees can focus on deep work without micromanagement.
Make it happen: Consider creating designated quiet spaces in the office for focused work and exploring options for flexible start and end times to minimize distractions during peak productivity hours.
Putting the Human Back into Human Resources: Mary Schaefer | Reclaim the Human Touch
In today's workplace, it's crucial to go beyond just meeting basic employee needs. Schaefer's talk emphasizes the power of creating a work environment that values and supports employees as individuals. This talk will inspire you to reimagine HR practices that foster a sense of appreciation, belonging, and purpose within your organization.
Make it happen: Focus on creating a culture of recognition, building strong relationships with employees, and fostering a sense of purpose within your organization.
Flow, the secret to happiness: Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi | Cultivate Peak Performance
In this talk, Csikszentmihalyi explores the concept of "flow," a state of complete absorption and energized focus. Learn how to create an environment where employees can find flow, leading to increased productivity, creativity, and overall satisfaction.
Make it happen: Identify opportunities to provide employees with clear goals, challenging tasks, and the autonomy to complete them. Encourage breaks and time for deep work to maximize focus.
Building a Motivational Workplace Culture: Reinventing Compensation: Rebecca Ahmed | Rethinking Rewards & Recognition
Traditionally, compensation is seen as a fixed salary or hourly wage. However, Rebecca Ahmed's TED talk challenges this notion and explores how to revamp compensation to create a more motivational work environment. This talk will inspire you to explore innovative compensation strategies that go beyond traditional paychecks and foster a more engaged and motivated workforce.
Make it happen: Consider exploring alternative compensation models or implementing recognition programs that acknowledge and reward a wider range of contributions.
The secrets of People Who Love Their Jobs: Shane Lopez | Unleash Employee Potential
Lopez challenges the conventional wisdom that dream jobs are simply "out there" waiting to be found. Instead, he reveals the secrets of people who love their work: they actively design it! This inspiring talk unpacks strategies to help employees transform their current roles into fulfilling experiences, focusing on leveraging strengths, finding meaning in everyday tasks, and taking ownership of their career paths.
Make it happen: Inspired by Lopez, facilitate workshops that help employees identify their strengths and passions. Then, empower them to personalize their work by discussing opportunities to align tasks or projects with their unique skill sets.
How great leaders inspire action: Simon Sinek | Start with why
Do you feel like your leadership style lacks a spark? Simon Sinek's groundbreaking TED Talk can help! Sinek challenges the traditional "what-how-why" leadership approach and flips the script, emphasizing the power of starting with "why." This talk delves into the importance of having a clear purpose, cause, or belief that drives everything you do as a leader.
Make it happen: Cultivate Leaders with Why! Sinek's framework is a powerful tool for developing strong leaders within your organization. Integrate his "Start with Why" philosophy into leadership training programs. Encourage leaders to discover and articulate your company's core purpose and values.
Lessons from a Silicon Valley maverick: Patty McCord | New ways of working and collaborating
Patty McCord, former Chief Talent Officer at Netflix, offers a refreshing perspective on HR practises. This talk explores unconventional workplace structures and collaboration styles that fueled innovation at Netflix. McCord challenges the status quo and inspires you to rethink your approach to HR and talent management.
Make it happen: Reimagine your approach! Inspired by McCord's bold vision, consider implementing processes that empower employees and encourage ownership. By fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and innovation, you can attract and retain top talent and propel your organization forward.
These TED Talks are like a treasure trove of inspiration, right? We hope they sparked some ideas for building a kick-ass workforce that thrives, not just survives.
We'll be back soon with more interesting stuff in this space. Meanwhile, hit us up in the comments and let us know: What HR challenges are keeping you up at night? We're here to listen and share the knowledge! See you next time:)