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Thought Leadership

Years ago I convened and moderated a panel on thought leadership and how to become a thought leader to an audience of 200-plus management consultants.

 

During planning and prep one panelist insisted thought leaders are born, not made. I knew he was wrong. Here’s why. You can become a thought leader through grit, determination, a deep sense of purpose, staying power, your expertise and knowledge, ability to communicate and an unflinching desire to make a difference. We both agreed he wasn’t a good fit for the panel.

 

To appreciate the benefits it’s good to have a definition in your pocket. Here’s my definition of a thought leader:

A thought leader is a deeply knowledgeable person in their field who intentionally makes a difference in the lives of others by creating a living legacy of ideas.

 

People are better off because a thought leader makes their ideas broadly accessible so as to change people’s minds and influence how they behave or act.

 

Their ideas reframe an existing way of thinking, are innovative or breakthrough, and sometimes contrarian.

Benefits of Becoming a Thought Leader

Here are the top four benefits you’ll enjoy when you advance from accomplished expert to influential thought leader. Click on each to learn more.

By shaping people’s opinions about various topics in your field, you have an opportunity to make a difference in the world, even if that world is a small slice. When you act from a deep sense of purpose, the positive impacts can be profound.

You’ve cultivated your reputation as an authority in your field. You’re known and respected for your ideas. Your purpose and desire to make a difference form a catalyst compelling you to continue adding to your body of work.

It feels good to be recognized and acknowledged. Your life is even more fulfilling. Clients, supporters and allies love winners so expect to deepen the trust and relationships as your thought leader status evolves. When you elevate your standing as a sought-after authority, the ripple effects include income growth.

When you lay out your ideas and concepts through writing, speaking and guest appearances, the people you want to positively impact have ready access to your thought leadership. Imagine those coming up after you: you inspire the next generation. You’ll enrich many lives in numerous ways.

5 Things You Should Do to Become a Thought Leader in Your Industry

Have a defined sense of purpose to make a difference in people’s lives in your field of expertise. Know where you can have the most influence and make a positive impact.

It’s natural to think one’s purpose should be to make money, have a balanced life, take more vacations, and so on. That’s not the kind of purpose I’m referring to. I’m talking about how each of us can positively impact lives and contribute to meaningful change, whether within your professional field or for any cause you’re passionate about.
1

Intentionally develop your personal brand and cultivate your reputation as an authority.

You and your message need to visible, so as a thought leader you communicate your ideas to your audience. Do this by writing articles and getting them published; carry out a social media strategy; get quoted in influential publications; be a guest expert on various media and podcasts; write a book; keynote at important meetings and conferences; and speak at a TEDx or TED conference.
2

Know your topic and field inside out; stay abreast of what’s going on in the world.

Be on top of changes and trends in your field. Be the one who starts a new trend that others follow. Be incorrigibly curious — you never know when you may need that bit of trivia or data point you learned today. Know what’s going on in the world. Don’t confine yourself to knowledge only about your field because everything connects in some way; nothing happens in a vacuum.
3

Develop the mindset of a thought leader.

You know a thought leader when you spot one across the room: their purpose is clear; they’re renowned for their deep knowledge and ability to communicate it; and they demonstrate resilience. Be ready to defend your ideas or change your mind if you get new information that alters your understanding. Stand firm on your opinions and get skilled at clearly articulating them. It may take courage initially to put your opinions out to the public. The more you do it, though, the easier it gets.
4

Build and expand your platform.

Platform refers to the people who follow you and your ability to reach and engage them with your writing, presentations and appearances. Think of platform as your network, contacts and social media. As your online presence expands, you’ll reach followers via various channels and media that feature you or present your expert ideas. This is how your ideas will spread. The larger your platform, the larger the opportunity for you to have a positive impact on more people.
5

Book a complimentary consultation

To find out more and see whether this could be a fit for you, book a 30-minute consultation with Roberta.