Inspire - by Adam Galinsky (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Two kinds of leaders populate the world: those who inspire and those who infuriate. Which will you be?

Whether you're a leader, a member of a team, a spouse, or a parent, this engaging and rigorous exploration unpacks the science of inspiration. Through compelling stories, fascinating research, and practical tips for addressing the common dilemmas we face daily, Inspire reveals how all of us, regardless of status or circumstance, can be more inspiring more often.

Social psychologist and leadership expert Adam Galinsky has spent three decades building a method for determining when we are inspiring versus infuriating, and where various leaders--presidents, CEOs, coaches, teachers, parents, and a wealth of others--currently land on that spectrum.

Galinsky shows how inspiring leaders can fill us with a wellspring of hope and possibility as they guide us to become better versions of ourselves. In contrast, infuriating leaders disappoint and annoy, fueling seething cauldrons of rage. But both types of leaders are deeply connected--together, they represent a universal continuum that is rooted in the very architecture of the human brain. This means that inspiring leaders aren't born--instead, we can inspire or infuriate in any given moment through our behavior, words, or presence.

In this captivating book, Galinsky identifies the three universal archetypes of truly great leaders and explains how each of us can develop these characteristics within ourselves to become more inspiring:

Visionaries offer a big-picture, optimistic, and engaging vision of the future;Exemplars are courageous and calm protectors who authentically express their passion while remaining consistent in word and deed;Mentors encourage, empower, and elevate others while challenging them to reach their potential.

Inspire is an essential guide to becoming not only a better leader but also an effective decision-maker, a dynamic problem-solver, a value-creating negotiator, and an inclusive innovator.

Review Quotes

"Inspire is the best book on leadership I've read in many years--a masterful blend of intellectual rigor and practical wisdom. Galinsky's insights will help anyone become an exceptional leader and everyone become a better person." -- Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Regret, To Sell is Human, and Drive

"Drawing from his groundbreaking scholarship, Galinsky reverse engineers the core skills of inspirational leadership, showing how even the most infuriating of leaders can learn to elevate the people around them. Inspire is a must-read for anyone who wants to be a better leader, a better parent, or a better human being." -- Angela Duckworth, New York Times Bestselling Author of Grit

"An engaging read on what it takes for leaders to elevate others. Galinsky, an influential social psychologist, fills Inspire with memorable stories, striking studies, and useful advice." -- Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Potential and Think Again

"Inspire is a captivating journey into the science of inspiration--and how we can inspire others. Through compelling stories, fascinating research, and practical tips, Galinsky reveals a profound approach to drawing out everyone's best while offering a playbook for fueling motivation, innovation, and success." -- Charles Duhigg, New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Habit and Supercommunicators

"Chock full of actionable insight, Adam Galinsky's delightful new book lives up to my very high expectations. In the tradition of Daniel Kahneman, Inspire uncovers the infuriating traps we all fall prey to--and how to recognize and overcome them for better results at work and in life. I was engaged, informed and, yes, inspired, reading it cover to cover." -- Amy C. Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership, Harvard Business School and author of Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well

"Like Olympic athletes, most of us strive for excellence in our performance and in our interactions. Inspire has given me the tools to reach others and transform their lives; I'm already spreading the seeds of inspiration." -- Anthony Ervin, 2000 and 2016 Olympic swimming champion

"With incredible storytelling, a framework to keep you oriented, and practical tips, Galinsky shows you how to become a more inspiring and less infuriating person. Inspire will help ensure that we never use our power corruptly." -- Kim Scott, New York Times bestselling author of author Radical Candor and Radical Respect