TED Talks Daily
Are we celebrating the wrong leaders? | Martin Gutmann
May 24, 2024
Historian Martin Gutmann, an expert in leadership, encourages us to rethink our admiration for dramatic leaders. He compares the flawed polar explorer Ernest Shackleton with the meticulous Roald Amundsen, highlighting how society often celebrates the wrong figures. Gutmann argues that true leaders often avoid crises and are defined by quiet resilience rather than flashy actions. By examining historical examples, he advocates for a broader understanding of effective leadership that values preparation, strategic thinking, and the quiet contributions that truly guide successful outcomes.
16:56
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Quick takeaways
- Effective leadership is often quiet and focuses on subtle planning, not just loud crisis management.
- Acknowledging and rewarding behind-the-scenes effectiveness is crucial to fostering true leadership and success.
Deep dives
The Importance of Boring Leadership
Leaders who effectively lead teams or expeditions are often unnoticed and do not seek attention. Loudness should not be confused with leadership. This is exemplified by the contrasting leadership styles of polar explorers Amundsen and Shackleton, where the former's meticulous planning led to success, while the latter's recklessness resulted in failures.
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