Here's how you can demonstrate your expertise and thought leadership as a project manager.

Project management isn't just about keeping the wheels turning; it's about greasing the tracks of innovation and driving the engine of progress forward. To demonstrate thought leadership, share insights like a beacon that guides ships through a storm. Your expertise is not just a collection of data points, but a tapestry of wisdom woven from experience, strategy, and foresight. Share generously, illuminate paths not yet taken, and carve out new routes on the map of your industry's future. Thought leadership is your legacy, built one shared insight at a time.

For me I show challenges that I face as a project manager and show how I solve it. I also show when I cannot solve and get the assistance. Above all be honest in your content.

Use real-world examples or case studies to illustrate how your solutions have been successfully implemented in the past. This helps to validate your advice and show its effectiveness.

I think it is easy for some to overthink when it comes to sharing insights. Some may worry about what they have to offer, or being "wrong". Sharing and being open to feedback helps us all learn and grow. Some of the most influential thought leaders are folks who have shared candidly about all of their learning, all of the feedback that has shaped them, and the value of putting yourself out there. The only way to grow is to step outside of your comfort zone. In doing so, you demonstrate to others that we all have a unique perspective, and that your insights are also shaped by what you learn from others. I respect the insights of those who actively engage and learn from others far more than those who do not openly share.

Project managers can become thought leaders by: Leveling Up: Stay updated on the latest project management trends and embrace new technologies. Sharing Knowledge: Write blog posts, articles, or speak at events to share your insights and experiences. Promoting Success: Develop case studies and highlight project results to showcase your impact. Building Relationships: Network with influencers, mentor others, and advocate for best practices.

I believe in this. As a mentor I have grown as a Project Manager because confidence is built like this and of course I learn from the person.

Respecting confidentiality is crucial in building trust in any mentoring relationship. It's important for the mentee to feel safe sharing sensitive information, knowing that it won't be shared with others without their consent. Respecting confidentiality demonstrates your commitment to their privacy and helps create a safe space for open and honest communication.

For me I am a disruptor so this is me in everyway, I look for new technologies and best practices every day. I like to show that I believe in change and revisiting strategies

Encourage your mentee to always keep the customer in mind. By understanding their needs and preferences, they can innovate products and services that truly meet customer expectations.

Stay curious and proactive in seeking out opportunities for innovation, both within your industry and beyond. Foster a culture of creativity and risk-taking within your team, encouraging them to explore new ideas and solutions. Remember that innovation often involves trial and error, so don't be discouraged by setbacks—view them as learning experiences that can lead to breakthroughs. Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders to harness collective intelligence and generate fresh perspectives. By staying at the forefront of innovation, you can position yourself and your projects for long-term success and impact.

Host innovative cross-industry webinars and think tanks, inviting diverse thought leaders to explore intersections between technology, education, and project management, thus positioning yourself at the forefront of collaborative knowledge exchange. Leverage social media to share insightful analyses and progressive project management methodologies, engaging with both critiques and commendations to sharpen your expertise and elevate your professional visibility. Forge strategic partnerships with academic institutions and tech companies to co-author research papers and case studies, showcasing cutting-edge project management practices and your adaptability to evolving educational technologies.

One easy way is to overcommunicate what you are doing. We often assume that people know what we are working on and the project's potential impacts. Take control of the narrative and share what you're working on with peer groups, during team meetings, and in professional associations. Don't wait until the end of the project to tell people about it. Is there a question or problem keeping you up at night? Sometimes, thought leadership means reaching out for help and crowdsourcing solutions from your peers and leaders you admire. Lastly, don't forget to share gratitude with your team and others who supported the work.

When reflecting on successes, highlight the strategies and factors that contributed to positive outcomes, providing valuable insights for others to learn from. Similarly, when discussing failures, focus on the lessons learned and the steps taken to address them, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. Embrace vulnerability in sharing both successes and failures, as it humanizes your leadership and fosters authentic connections with your audience. Encourage feedback and dialogue from peers and stakeholders, inviting diverse perspectives that can enrich your reflections and growth. Ultimately, transparency in reflecting on your experiences fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, etc.

As a leader, authenticity is paramount. Being genuine and transparent in your actions and communications is key to making reflections resonate with others. When you share your experiences authentically, it creates a powerful connection with the audience. People are more likely to relate to and learn from reflections that are genuine and sincere. This inspires and encourages your mentee to be authentic in their reflections, helping them connect with others on a deeper level and make a lasting impact

Good article but IMO, it misses one important thing, "Effective Communication". Clearly articulate right information as per the stakeholder(s). Set right expectations and keep track of the progress as well as risks. #DTalks