Videos are a powerful tool to convey your message and inspire others. Whenever I see an inspiring video, I store it away to share at team meetings at leadership training days. Here are five of my favourites and why I recommend you check them out:
1. Simon Sinek: “Start with why: How great leaders inspire action”
Simon Sinek is an incredible speaker and thought-leader. In this video he explores why some leaders are able to inspire and motivate others. He calls it “The Golden Circle”. (Skip to 2mins in for his explanation)
Instead of focusing on what we do, Sinek says great leaders and companies start with why. What is your core purpose? This should underpin everything you do. Sinek also wrote about the importance of knowing your why in his best selling book “Start With Why.”
2. Michael Jr: “Know Your Why”
Michael Jr. is an inspirational speaker and comedian. This video follows on really well from Simon Sinek’s talk as Michael Jr. also focuses on the importance of knowing your why. In the video, Michael Jr. invites a man from the audience to sing “Amazing Grace.” He is a great singer and earns a round of applause from the audience. However, the real magic happens when Michael Jr. asks him to sing the “hood version”. The passion and commitment that shines through his second rendition earns him a standing ovation. As Michael Jr. says, “When you know your why, your what becomes more impactful because you’re walking towards or in your purpose.”
3. Derek Sivers: “First Follower: Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy”
In Derek Sivers’ famous TED Talk he describes how movements are established in under 3 mins. Sivers’ narration accompanies a video of a man dancing on a hill at a music festival. Everyone else is sitting on the hill, and watching the stage without dancing. When the dancing man is joined by another man, Sivers explains the importance of the first follower in any movement. They transform a “lone nut” into a leader. Gradually more and more people join until there are more people dancing than not. In a world where a huge amount of emphasis is placed on the importance of leaders, it is refreshing to hear Sivers celebrate the courageousness and significance of followers.
4. Noah and the Whale: “Give a Little Love”
Noah and the Whale are one of my favourite bands, and their music video for their song “Give a Little Love” beautifully demonstrates how little acts of kindness can inspire others to follow suit. We often share this video with student leaders and encourage them to choose to be leaders in the little moments. Small commitments from lots of people lead to big changes.
5. Nickelback: “If Everyone Cared”
The final video on my list is another music video, this time for Nickelback’s song “If Everyone Cared”. It shows a number of examples of how significant change started with one passionate person. It is especially poignant watching it this year with everything that has been happening in the world. The final frame is Margaret Mead’s quote: “Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”
What are your go-to inspirational videos? Please share them in the comments and let us know why they’re great.
Are you looking for support in developing a student leadership program in your school? We are experts in developing a leadership culture and support students and teachers in a fun, professional and authentic way.