How do you verify your thought leadership before sharing it?

One of my first stories as a reporter, was about a young man who was going through the 12-step program for alcoholics. He was only 18 and asked me not to use his name, so I used a pseudonym. I was able to get him to open up to me by first making him feel at ease with me. I didn't rush him to tell me his story. I worked with him by sharing (briefly) my own experience with alcohol and drug abuse as a teenager. After that, I sensed he was relating to me as a fellow sufferer and became willing to answer all my questions. It is important to show whoever you are interviewing that they can relate to and trust you. Number one lesson for new journalists. Your sources/interviewees have to trust you. It is up to you to establish that trust.

Knowing your audience is key because you need to engage with the conversation they’re already having in their heads. Understand their demographics, psychographics. Start with two lists: Fears & Frustrations and Dreams & Desires. Focus more on former as they’re stronger drivers for most people. Then, connect with their aspirations to motivate and lead. Effective thought leadership means continually engaging with your audience through feedback, refining your approach and ensuring they feel valued. Truly knowing your audience transforms your communication into a meaningful dialogue that motivates and moves them.

I agree. There are many ways to get someone to open up but becoming inauthentic shouldn't be one of them. You may be tempted to do that, please dont, it's unprofessional and you end up losing respect

To share thought leadership that resonates and builds trust, immersing yourself in your audience's world is crucial. It's not just about showcasing expertise, but connecting your knowledge directly to their lived experiences and aspirations. Dive deep, understand their challenges, speak their language, and offer solutions that truly matter to them. This authenticity in approach ensures your content is not just seen, but felt and valued. By doing so, you're not just a voice in the crowd; you become a trusted advisor and a reliable source of wisdom. Your thought leadership becomes a bridge, connecting your expertise to their needs, creating impact and fostering genuine engagement.

To create thought leadership you have, well, have thoughts and be leading with them. That may sound trite, but it's making a point. To some, "thought leadership" is just something you put out to get attention, sell your wares, show that you're part of some conversation. But pablum, rehashing, just putting down words, isn't thought leadership. Nor is simply selling something. It's taking a position, putting a stake in the ground, saying "This is where this issue / industry / institution, etc. needs to go" and thereby being ahead of common wisdom and whatever else is around. You can agree, disagree or simply comment but you have to advance beyond the general wisdom, lead a conversation.

Doing a little homework goes a long way! Once you conduct some research by reading studies, numerous articles & looking at data, you can then craft your own POV on a topic or trend. You can also go the extra mile by connecting with subject matter experts to learn from them & have a healthy discourse with them in order to strengthen and broaden the scope of your knowledge too ??

I ask the same simple question to multiple people – often from different backgrounds. If there's consensus, it's worth pitching. This process is important for reporting in a foreign country, where I usually don't know the backstory. It also avoids embarrassments such as publishing stories from a country that nobody in that country recognizes.

Verifying your thought leadership is like taste-testing your own cooking - you want it to be top-notch! To ensure your credibility, authority, and value shine through, start by fact-checking your ideas, citing reputable sources, and seeking input from experts in the field. Think of it as your culinary masterpiece; it's only ready to serve when it's been thoroughly vetted and garnished with expertise.

A thought leader is an individual who possesses a unique blend of essential skills and unique thoughts and ideas. The skills I'm referring to are the “4Cs”: Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity. In my perspective these are the cornerstones of effective leadership and are crucial for driving innovation and fostering a collaborative environment. When we speak of unique thoughts and ideas, we refer to insights that are grounded in the realities of our world and serve a common purpose. These are not just abstract concepts but practical solutions that address real world challenges.