We’ve all told students that their words have great power. But honestly, are you using the power to inspire your young adult leaders as well? When we are working with younger leaders, we have to remember that the words we say to them have the power to breathe life into their leadership.

3 ways to breathe life into your young leaders.

1. Encouraging when you don’t have to. By encouraging young leaders all the time, you will be creating a culture of leadership development. You will also be building up good will for the day that you have to challenge them.

2. Listening when you don’t want to. Young leaders are not on your schedule. They sometimes want to talk late at night or after five. When they are ready to share, be ready to listen. Listening to your young leaders will allow them to process through what you have been working to grow inside of them.

3. Being positive without a reason to. Oftentimes when our young leaders fail, they look immediately to what our reaction will be. When we react positively, we communicate that its okay to fail and that we’re committed to them. This will encourage them to take risks, and they will know that their performance is not tied to the fact that you love them.