Leadership is one of my favorite topics. A leadership advisor once told me that leadership is tough because you don’t get a medal or certificate stating you’re now a great leader after certain accomplishments. Great leadership takes a lifetime to cultivate. I’m not a great leader, but I focus on being a good leader and am always working towards being a great one.

I make plenty of mistakes and admit them, talk about them, and move on. This is one of those qualities that shows those you work with that you’re human. People like to work with people they like, and showing you’re human is something they gravitate to. People like to follow leaders who treat others with respect and have vision, strength, grit, and integrity. Realize you are not perfect or an expert and allow yourself room to grow.

Make sure your people understand what the collective goals are and how they can achieve them. Make sure you tell them they have done a GREAT job upon accomplishing those goals. Make sure you pick them up when they’re down, or at least give them the space to get back up on their own. Make sure you set the goalposts, and don’t move them. When they score, cheer. Make sure you define the rules of engagement.

Set the example of a learning culture by being the top learner in your organization.

Let go of the ones who need to go; they will find another job.

Let the ones who have found a better opportunity go; shake their hands and congratulate them.

And thank the Lord for the gift of leadership every day because it is a gift.

With these qualities, there will be plenty of people who want to work with you and stay in your organization.