Thought leadership is often viewed as synonymous with being a speaker or an author. While many speakers and authors are thought leaders, many are not. Thought leadership and professional speaking or writing are not one in the same. Michael Brenner, former head of strategy for NewsCred, informs on Entrepreneur.com that when it comes to thought leadership, “the source is not as important as the content.” He goes on to say that, “Thought leadership doesn’t mean a big name from a big school, it means you provide the best and deepest answers to your customers’ biggest questions in the formats your audience likes to consume them.”
I could not agree more. Speaking engagements and writing are just two of many different methods that thought leaders might apply in order to deliver or communicate a message, but these are not core competencies to the concept. Thinking, leading and learning are, however.
Many people today want to be known as a “thought leader.” It has become the latest buzzword for elevating one’s status in the professional, business and academic spaces, and the title reflects a sort of evolution of thought and depth of expertise in a particular area. If you want to be thought of (pun intended) as a thought leader, below are the three things you need to do and demonstrate exceptionally well to accomplish this goal.
Thought Leadership - What Is It All About, Really?
Thought leadership is about thinking, learning and leading as it pertains to a focused subject area and then committing to deep examination in that area. Thought leadership involves actually announcing and communicating one’s thoughts at some point (by writing, teaching, informing and/or speaking on the topic). But at its core, thought leadership is about research, critical thinking, analysis, evaluation and recommendations that lead to problem resolution, process improvement and defined strategic outcomes.
Thought leaders identify problems and expound on issues and then lead and elevate the conversation using research, data collection and analysis toward solving problems and improving processes and systems. They demonstrate the courage to step out front on a topic and the tenacity to gather and analyze the data to substantiate a particular perspective or way of thinking. And finally, thought leaders sell that idea or way of thinking to others so as to be influential in affecting change on some predefined topic or area or expertise.
Do you do this? All of this? If so, read on for validation. If not, read on to learn. Either way, read on…
The Three Keys Of Thought Leadership
1. Thought Leaders Think – They identify challenges, problems and issues and then help others to think critically about possible solutions.
Thought leaders identify challenges and expound on issues and then lead and elevate the conversation using studies, statistics, and other forms of data toward solving problems and improving processes and systems. They do what is necessary to gauge the full scope of the challenge so that they can advance their work and proffer meaningful options and solutions. The work is sometimes complex (so people who try to make absolutely everything simple might not thrive here). It often involves research, data collection and scrutiny and is followed by thoughtful findings and recommendations for at least one specific issue of interest to thought leaders and those they seek to influence.
Thought leaders are good decision makers and critical thinkers, and they work to develop this skill in others. As such, thought leaders invite others to question their assertions and recommendations and are more than willing to substantiate their findings as appropriate.
2. Thought Leaders Learn – They are intellectually curious, ask questions and seek new information from myriad sources.
Basically, thought leaders are intellectuals who exhibit insatiable curiosity and a propensity for exploration. In addition to the research and analysis component, thought leaders excel in the four areas that comprise leadership effectiveness – two of which being (1) they learn and (2) they ask great questions. These people know that there is strength and value in soliciting new information and with continual learning. By virtue of being solid leaders, thought leaders are committed to learn, unlearn, ask questions and learn some more (read more on the 4 Key Predictors for Leadership Success here).
The real meaningful ROI for thought leaders is a return on intelligence. These leaders strive to develop their own learning and then to transfer learning so as to advance a substantive idea. They are not simply telling or talking about something. They are truly learning about it first.
3. Thought Leaders Lead – They take a [coherent] position on an issue and provide sound solutions and options as they communicate with and persuade others to change.
These are courageous folks. Thought leaders use their power and influence to shape and advance a substantiated position. They don’t shy away from controversial and esoteric topics. Instead they lead the conversation and ultimately share conclusions and advance solid solutions for evaluation and questioning. They promote ideas and findings via meetings, publications and speaking engagements, etc.
Key to the thought leader is his/her openness to change course or thinking when/if evidence supports such a move. Only after all this prework do thought leaders seek to transfer knowledge and understanding to an audience, listener or reader. They ensure those they share with fully comprehend the issue and understand why it matters. They go on to provide options for what to apply and how to apply it for success (this is the “teach-a-man-to-fish” philosophy). I know the “get everything done fast folks” and the “it’s easier to do it for them than teach them folks” may not like this process, but thought leaders cannot imagine neglecting it.
Finally, it is not necessary that thought leaders be famous or well known. There are many well-known thought leaders, but fame is not a requirement. However, thinking, learning and leading are.
There is a distinct difference between leadership and thought leadership. Are you doing what it takes to become a thought leader in your field?
From the movie " Bobby" the Queen of Soul
From the movie " Bobby" the Queen of Soul
Terina Allen is a strategist, consultant, international speaker and the CEO of ARVis Institute, a management consulting, training and executive coaching firm.
