The game-changing business skill no one is talking about

The technology business drowns in homespun wisdom about how to build teams, how to inspire workers, and how to organize companies. Scalable automation and global reach create opportunities without precedent. Figuring out how to make the most of this is an ongoing project.

Still, amid all the bluster about the absolute best ways to be a leader, I’ve heard very little about the most powerful tool available. So let’s talk about it.

The most effective leaders have a reflex to see the best in people

We all exist in a social context. We perceive our value and abilities through the lenses of those around us. Don’t believe me?

The (seemingly) simple act of believing in our teammates can have a dramatic impact on their ability to deliver. Treating someone with skepticism and doubt is an easy recipe for bad results. Even if they do deliver despite this negativity, they’re on a road to burnout, frustration and resentment.

Finding a reason to believe, then, is an essential skill for any leader. That conviction can become contagious, helping folks get through even the toughest problems, as they take social cues about…