Diary of a consultant
Reading Tip: Inspire by Adam Galinsky
Bram Smets · 25 March 2026
The science behind what makes leaders truly inspiring
Adam Galinsky’s Inspire argues that inspiring leadership is not innate, but a learnable set of behaviours grounded in scientific research.
He identifies three universal roles of inspiring leaders:
- visionaries who create meaning through a compelling future;
- exemplars who lead by authentic example;
- and mentors who empower and elevate others.
These roles correspond to core human needs for purpose, security, and belonging, making inspiration a universal phenomenon across cultures.Galinsky emphasises that leadership exists on a continuum between inspiring and infuriating, shaped by everyday behaviours rather than fixed traits.
Ultimately, the book offers a practical, evidence-based framework to help individuals communicate vision more clearly, model desired behaviours, and actively develop others to drive engagement and performance.
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