TED2010: Unpredictably Delightful

Last week’s staff meeting was an unusual one:

We watched a youtube video of a mouse, a mousetrap and a loud SNAP! (Yes, really.)

Then, we watched another one of a wacky lone dancer who we gleaned leadership lessons from.

And finally, we listened to a chef talk about his one wish to start a movement to fight obesity.

All of these unexpected, funny, and delightful clips were presented at the recent TED2010 conference, a capital of provocative ideas and inspiring changemakers.  Pat attended on February 9-13 in Long Beach, CA and brought these memorable TED snippets back to share with the HopeLab team.

Personally, I was most struck by the wacky lone dancer. He embodies the courage needed to experiment with something new and to hold strong to one’s belief, amid the temptation to shrink away in embarrassment. I loved watching how the lone dancer welcomes and teaches the follower his funky dance moves and how powerful it was to then see how the first follower (or any early adopter, for that matter) made it his own.

These two guys started a small dance movement one sunny afternoon on a hilltop filled with laughter. They invited others into their joy and taught me – a complete stranger – about leadership, all because of a few bold moves. It’s inspiring (and I totally wish I had been there)!

I’m curious to hear your reactions to the clips. Which one of these strikes you most?