As we approach the holiday season, it's a time for HR and other People leaders across the organization to take a step back, recharge, and plan for an impactful start to 2024. At Perceptyx, we recognize that for many professionals, this period is not just about relaxation, but also about diving into resources that can inspire and inform, helping them prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Our curated collection of TED Talks is designed to provide leaders with insights and strategies that resonate with our commitment to employee listening, fostering a culture of innovation, and driving organizational change. Each talk offers a blend of innovative ideas, practical advice, and inspiring stories, all of which are essential for any organizational leader looking to keep pace with a constantly-evolving field. As you listen, consider how these insights can be integrated into your people strategies for the upcoming year.
- Kim Scott and Trier Bryant: How to Reduce Bias in Your Workplace
As leaders in employee listening, we recognize the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Scott and Bryant’s talk provides a practical toolkit for identifying and reducing bias, aligning with our ethos of creating inclusive workplaces. Their three-step process of awareness, understanding, and action offers actionable insights for HR leaders to implement in their employee listening strategies. - Gil Winch: How We Can Use the Hiring Process to Bring Out the Best in People
Winch's innovative approach to hiring aligns with our focus on employee potential. His "reverse screening process" reduces interview anxiety, allowing candidates to showcase their true selves. This method enhances the employee listening process, ensuring that people leaders hear and understand the real voices of their potential hires. - Regina Hartley: Why the Best Hire Might Not Have the Perfect Resume
Hartley’s concept of “scrappers” resonates with our belief in the untapped potential within unconventional candidates. This talk encourages HR leaders to listen to the stories behind the resumes, a core principle in our approach to employee engagement and talent acquisition. - Simon Sinek: How Great Leaders Inspire Action
Sinek’s exploration of the “Golden Circle” is a testament to understanding the ‘why’ behind actions, a concept central to effective employee listening. For organizational leaders, this talk offers a new perspective on aligning company values with employee motivations, enhancing engagement and leadership. - Dan Ariely: What Makes Us Feel Good About Our Work?
Ariely's insights into the psychology of workplace motivation are invaluable for designing employee listening programs. Understanding what motivates employees is key to driving engagement and aligning organizational goals with employee needs. - Roselinde Torres: What It Takes to Be a Great Leader
In this TED Talk, leadership expert Roselinde Torres shares insights from her 25 years of experience with leaders around the world. She discusses how the best leaders are those who can adapt to rapidly changing environments, build diverse and dynamic networks, and are not afraid to challenge the status quo (check out our own guide on the same topic!). Torres emphasizes the importance of courageous leadership in fostering innovation and driving effective change. - Juliet Schor: The Case for a Four-Day Workweek
Schor’s advocacy for a shorter workweek aligns with our focus on work-life balance and employee well-being. Her insights are crucial for people leaders considering innovative approaches to improve employee engagement and productivity. - Angela Duckworth: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
Duckworth’s research on grit offers a new lens for HR professionals to identify and nurture high-potential talent, an essential component of effective employee listening and development strategies. - Celeste Headlee: 10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation
Headlee’s masterclass in communication is particularly relevant for HR leaders focused on enhancing employee listening skills. Her tips for meaningful conversations are foundational for building genuine connections and understanding employee needs. - Li Fosslien: How to Embrace Emotions at Work
Liz Fosslien's TED Talk focuses on the importance of embracing emotions in the workplace. She explores how acknowledging and effectively managing emotions can lead to healthier work environments and better team dynamics. Fosslien provides practical tips for expressing feelings constructively, navigating emotional minefields, and using empathy to foster positive interactions and relationships at work.
Additional TED Talks Recommendations for Organizational Leaders
These additional talks offer further insights into HR and people practices, each aligning with the principles of effective employee listening and engagement. From building high-performance teams to fostering a culture of innovation, each talk provides valuable perspectives for those interested in the HR/people community:
- Margaret Heffernan: Forget the Pecking Order at Work
- Jason Fried: Why Work Doesn’t Happen at Work
- Patty McCord: HR Lessons from the World of Silicon Valley Start-Ups
- Barry Schwartz: The Way We Think About Work Is Broken
- Shawn Achor: The Happy Secret to Better Work
- Rainer Strack: The Workforce Crisis of 2030 and How to Start Solving It Now
Perceptyx Can Help You Harness the Power of Your People
For more insights into human resources, employee surveys, employee experience, and employee listening programs, subscribe to our blog. If you're looking to enhance your organization's employee listening strategies, Perceptyx is here to assist. Schedule a meeting with our team to explore how we can support your listening initiatives and drive meaningful change in your organization.