Leading people is one of the most challenging things every one of us will ever encounter. We may not lead large-scale like those in businesses or organizations, but we are leaders in our own ways. We have our families to influence, younger siblings perhaps, or even a leadership opportunity due to our involvement in church, school, or community. The baton of leadership is just around us.

What makes leadership difficult? It's the people themselves! Machines can be automated, systems can be organized and reorganized, and manuals can be copied and distributed. People, however, are complicated beings. As many people are in your organization are a number of considerations you need to make as a leader. 

But there are things we can do as a leader to make it a point that we're somehow doing things right. While there is no such thing as fool-proof leadership, at least we can empower our people with the following:

Set clear expectations

I believe no one wants to do things poorly. People want to do their job well. Though some are sloppy, generally speaking, we can assume everyone in our team wants a job well done. So as a leader, we need to tell them what a good job looks like. Don't let them wander around what should be and what should not be done. Set clear expectations. Sometimes the problem is not about their performance, but about their expectations - or your expectations. Communicate what you specifically want them to do. Do it repeatedly if you must. Make sure you're on the same page.

Genuinely care

A very common leadership adage: "people don't care how much you know unless they know how much you care." Leaders create followers. If no one is following you, ask yourself if you're leading well. And to make people follow you, an investment in a caring attitude is a must. Here's the catch - you need to do it genuinely. Genuine care can't be faked. They will know if you're just bribing them to follow you, or if you're invested in their welfare. And once you've won their hearts, you gained yourself loyal followers. Win them with your love!

Give helpful feedback

Leaders give feedback to constituents to update them on their growth and status. If we are concerned with them, we need to update them on what's going on in their work. But be careful not to confuse feedback with being over-critical. Don't hide under the guise of feedback if your intention is to bemean your people. People should see your love in your feedback, and not feel like being nit-picked and lashed on. Give helpful feedback. If your followers see your genuine concern, they will love you more. 

Walk your talk

We can't talk to people about our values. It should be seen in us. It should be evident in the way we act towards them and towards others. If we say we value integrity, we should be people of integrity. If we say we value teamwork, we should work with them. Walking our talk means a willingness to get our hands dirty. Our words are just faint echoes, but our actions are deafening noise they keep on hearing until it etches into their system. Don't be all talk and no work. Lead by action and example.

Be welcoming

Leaders should be approachable. This doesn't mean our schedules are always open for interruptions, but our countenance must exude an attitude that you are pleasant to work with. Remember that people rally behind people they can trust and they can get along with. If you're grumpy, people will think twice about staying near you. But when people can see your smile, they will feel positive about you and the leadership you offer. Smile!

A lot has been written about leadership and these are just nuggets I learned from my limited capacities being a leader. Leadership is easier said than done. But yeah, we're learning.