One of the most powerful engagement tactics

This is perhaps the most powerful engagement tactic I know.

20 years ago I used to be a youth leader, running youth events, but I struggled to get young people along. However I had a mentor who shared a powerful lesson with me:

The way the teacher gets all the parents to come to the play is to put all the kids in the show.

So what I did was invite local bands to play at my events. And because local bands were playing, they invited their friends and fans to come and see them perform. Then I did a battle of the bands – 5 popular local bands. We went from 30 in attendance to around 200.

I sometimes call this “showcase strategy” – by giving people a role in the show, they invite others to see them perform.

But really it’s simple: people love to play a part. Here are four levels:

Level 1: Additive roles

Give someone a role that requires them to do a little something more than what they normally do — no additional time, just additional action on top of something they already do.

Level 2: Performative roles

Showcase or spotlight someone. Feature them in content, ask them to say a few words at an event, or ask them to use voice rather than chat.

Level 3: Elective roles

A role with defined responsibilities, held for a period of time.

Level 4: Initiative roles

The highest level: someone takes the initiative to develop something new. Don’t jump straight here. Better to grow to this level.

Start at level 1, not 4.