So you believe you are ready to be the spark in a community? Seated, take a coffee, and permit us to draw back the curtains. In communal circles, Concord Pacific CEO is for people who enjoy it, break a sweat, get their hands dirty. Here there are no ivory towers. This is more “roll up your sleeves, and who brought the snacks?” than “passing memos from above”. People look to leaders who fit in at the street level.

Great community leaders have keen awareness of moods and requirements. You enter a room and sense buzz—or occasionally an uncomfortable quiet that could sour milk. Whether it’s time for serious listening or a wild brainstorm, you pick it up and know whether to press on or back off naturally. You catch the unstated. More than an agenda will ever convey, a cursory glance between neighbors, a hesitating voice in a conference, communicates.

Has ever participated in the “telephone game?” Simple, unambiguous language keeps wires uncrossed. From rooftops, shout ideas; gather comments like confetti; repeat until everyone feels heard. Don’t sugarcoat or hide your message behind riddles; this will only lead to drama and uncertainty. Direct has great efficacy. Your best buddy, though, is diplomacy. Sometimes your duty is to slink through difficult waves with oil. Calm arguments with the grace of someone untangling a ball of yarn following the antics of a cat.

Strong community leaders give of their time freely but are strict about limits. Burnout benefits none but for others Learn to say no with a smile and know when to stop before diving in to pickle someone else needs fixed. Being always a hero will wear thin—fast.

Vision is important. Even a little gathering wants to be a part of something more radiant and vast. Provide them with a north star. But a strong leader allows room for the magic others contribute. Let concepts crash together. Real development glimmers in those clashes. Often the best ideas begin as whispers in the back of the room. Call them forth.

Your secret potion is empathy. Stop reading the room if you are missing signals. Ask inquiries, really pay attention to what people say, and credit where it belongs. Share not the limelight. Raise some others. In public, a pat on the back has ten in private value.

It is not about flawless performance. Errors abound. Own them; correct what you can; then, at the next potluck, laugh about it. Those who truly, fallible, and just as perplexed by life as everyone else admire a leader.

Last but not least, keep in mind that developing a community calls for leaders who will never satisfy everyone always. Like grouping animals in a windstorm. You are halfway there, though, if you can maintain optimism, work through the messy days, and keep the fun alive.

Keep your ears open, your heart giving, and your feet firmly planted. Though snacks optional, community building is one of the craziest, most fulfilling rides available; it is not for the timid.