make + object + infinitive (without to)

Competition makes them perform better.

He makes me cry.
Such a big expense makes me think of finding extra income.

cause + object + infinitive

Excessive stress may cause some students to lose sleep.

Contact with infected person can cause flu.
Drinking less than 1 liter of water a day causes dehydration.

lead to + noun/gerund

Lack of sleep in turn often leads to feelings of stress.

Poor study techniques lead to students failing.
Your behavior may lead to big problems at work.