Here's how you can navigate a new leadership role in Thought Leadership.

Navigating a new leadership role in Thought Leadership involves these 6 steps: 1. Understand the Landscape: Familiarise yourself with industry trends and key influencers. 2. Build Credibility: Use your expertise and past experiences to establish authority through articles, blogs, and speaking engagements. 3. Network Actively: Connect with other leaders, attend industry events, and participate in forums. 4. Communicate Effectively: Clearly articulate your vision and engage your audience through various platforms. 5. Stay Informed: Continuously learn about new developments in your field. 6. Mentor Others: Share your knowledge and support emerging leaders. These steps will help you excel in your thought leadership role.

That’s interesting! - When you become interested in others, I often find you become more interesting yourself. I have often listened to another person (having just met), asked a bunch of questions, become fascinated in what they have had to say, and then departed barely having said a word. Funny thing - often these individuals refer and recommend my expertise to others. Isn’t that interesting.

When you build connections and come in with a hidden agenda, on a deeper level, people pick that up. Assuming they don’t is a serious error. Having taught martial arts and self defence and self empowerment for years I find women (in most cases) have an ability to detect this much better than men. I often refer to this as the creep factor. So when communicating with others, don’t be a creep. Making the hair on the back of someone’s neck when you approach, should not be a goal you want to aspire to.

Communicating isn’t just speaking. It’s also listening. In any new role, it’s crucial that leaders spend their first days listening. No one knows the ground better than the people in the front line. So we need to listen to understand what’s happening. We also need to listen for trends. To connect the dots and recognise patterns, because we work in an ecosystem after all. Finally, we need to listen for what’s unsaid. This will help us unearth gaps and issues.

??Always ensure that your thoughts are logically presented in a clear, sequential manner. Most importantly I would emphasize on feedback because it will help you to refine your message and ensure that it resonates effectively.

I clearly agree that clarity is crucial in thought leadership. Articulate complex ideas clearly and simply, avoiding jargon. Effective communication bridges your ideas with your audience, ensuring your vision is understood and embraced

When asked I have no problem demonstrating expertise. The key words in that above sentence are ‘When asked’. There is also a parable that goes something like “Do not cast your pearls before swine”. No sense wasting your valuable expertise on those that don’t value it, are incapable of grasping it, and do not take action or implement it.

In the realm of thought leadership, your unique insights are invaluable, but it’s your authenticity that truly connects. Stay informed and continuously educate yourself, but also share personal stories that bring your insights to life. Don’t shy away from challenging conventional wisdom—talk about the bold choices you’ve made and their outcomes. Engage deeply with your audience, showing you value their input and fostering a sense of community. Adaptability is crucial. Show that you’re willing to evolve and refine your views. By being genuine, responsive, and open, you turn your thought leadership into a shared journey of growth and inspiration for both you and your audience.

?I love this aspect because it gets to demonstrate attentiveness and willingness to engage fosters trust which then strengthens the connection between you and your audience!!