Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others

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.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

© 2025 Harper Business (Audiobook): 9780063294691

Release date

Audiobook: 21 January 2025