the best leadership hack i have come across is one that i have employed in a number of situations, and usually to great effect:

encourage people to participate.

it’s so simple, yet we so often forget. there are exceptionally smart and talented people all around us everyday—but we are all, at one point, insecure. we don’t want to speak in public. we don’t think we know the answer to the question. we don’t think what we have to say is all that important or our idea all that intelligent.

but when we intentionally bring our teammates into the conversation and encourage them to participate, it is often the only impetus they need to let their brilliance shine. because even if you’re scared or insecure, you can still perform at an exceptionally high level.

all it takes is a bit of wild, enthusiastic encouragement.