Sometimes the best leadership comes from shutting up and letting others shine. It’s a lesson I learnt at university that took me years to properly understand — and one that’s changed how I work with people ever since.
When I was at university, I was close to the head of the management department — what they call the business school today. I was treasurer of the Management Society, which unlike other societies with their fixed budgets, actually ran a coffee shop. Well, I say coffee shop — it was more of a kiosk, really. And it was losing money.
I remember getting up before dawn to collect donuts from a local bakery to sell. I had loads of ideas about how to turn things around, and to be fair, it worked. The kiosk became profitable. But in the process, I managed to annoy most of the other society leaders. I was a know-it-all. Young, enthusiastic, absolutely convinced that having the right answer was all that mattered.
One day, the department head pulled me aside. She said something I’ll never forget: “It’s fine to have all the ideas, Leo — but let other people think they’re their ideas. Let them take the credit.”
She was someone whose opinion I genuinely valued, so I knew she was on point. Did I listen? Probably smiled, nodded, and carried on being a cocky git. But that advice lodged itself somewhere in my brain.
Over the years, I’ve realised leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about creating space for others to contribute — to feel ownership, pride, responsibility. When people believe an idea is theirs, they’ll move mountains to make it work.
These days, it’s become natural. Not all the time — I’m still a little cocky, if I’m honest — but I do try to do it regularly. Sometimes I’ll ask questions that lead people to the answer. Sometimes I’ll mention something casually and let someone else run with it.
The truth is, I don’t care whose name is on the idea anymore. What matters is that it happens, that people feel invested, that the team succeeds.
True leadership isn’t about getting credit. It’s about getting results through others. And watching someone’s face light up when “their” brilliant idea works? That’s worth more than any recognition.
