Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others

An engaging and rigorous exploration of the science of being inspiring, offering compelling stories, fascinating research, and practical tips for addressing the common problems and dilemmas we face every day—showing how all of us, regardless of status or circumstance, can be more inspiring more of the time in our lives. There are two kinds of leaders that populate the world: those who inspire, and those who infuriate. Inspiring leaders elevate, motivate, and guide us to become a better version of ourselves. Infuriating leaders, conversely, cause frustration and resentment instead of agreement and action. Together, inspiring and infuriating leaders represent a universal continuum that is rooted in the very architecture of the human brain. But inspiring leaders aren’t born. Instead, we inspire or infuriate in any given moment through our behavior, words, and presence.

Social psychologist and leadership expert Adam Galinsky has spent his career building a quantifiable method of determining who is inspiring versus who is infuriating, and where various leaders—presidents, CEOs, coaches, teachers, parents, and a wealth of others—currently land. In this captivating book, Galinsky identifies the three universal characteristics of truly inspiring leaders:

Visionaries • offer a big-picture, optimistic, and accessible vision of the future Exemplars • are courageous and calm protectors, expressing authentic passion, while remaining consistent in word and deed Mentors • encourage, empower, and challenge others

Drawing on decades of scientific studies and global consulting experiences, Galinsky presents an elegant yet profound approach to building leadership skills that anyone can use to fuel motivation, innovation, and cooperation. For current and aspiring leaders alike, Inspire is an invaluable guide to becoming not only a leader but an effective decision maker, a wise problem-solver, a value-creating negotiator, a fair allocator, and an inclusive and ethical guide.

© 2025 HarperAudio (Audiobook): 9780063294691

Release date

Audiobook: January 21, 2025