The future belongs to storytellers.

One of the common problems that leaders struggle with is sharing their insights with others which is ironic because leaders are naturally disposed to be thought leaders.

Who is a thought leader?

• Thought leaders are informed, opinionated, experts and trusted sources share thoughts.
• Thought leaders embrace the process of sharing insights, ideas, and stories.
• They are adept at bench pressing ideas deep within the inner recesses of their minds until patterns are formed or framed.
• Thought leaders are curious, flexible, open to being stretched by ideas, and comfortable entertaining thoughts without being defined by them.

What should Thought Leaders possess?

Thought Leadership?Quotes

Thought leaders don't try to be one by just trying but doing.

“Thought leaders do not become thought leaders by trying to be one; that’s an external focus that only satisfies the ego and blocks true enlightenment on any subject. A thought leader has a singular, internal focus on achieving mastery of a particular discipline.”?– Sam Fiorella

Thought leadership is relationship-driven.

“Thought leadership should be an entry point to a relationship. Thought leadership should intrigue, challenge, and inspire even people already familiar with a company. It should help start a relationship where none exists, and it should enhance existing relationships.”?– Daniel Rasmus?

Thought leadership is value focused.

“Thought Leadership is establishing a relationship with and delivering something of value to your stakeholders and customers that aligns with your brand/company value. In the process, you go well beyond merely selling a product or service and establish your brand /company as the expert in that field and differentiate yourself from your competitors.” – Thought Leaders International

Thought leaders are courageous.

“Thought leaders are brave; explore areas others don’t, raise questions others won’t, and provide insights others can’t.” – Craig Badings and Liz Alexander

If you want to become a thought leader, here are three steps to consider –?

1. Commit to Thinking – To become a thought leader, you must think consistently and broadly. Make time to develop and nurture your thinking muscles. Be intentional about how, what, where, and when you feel and schedule thinking time.
2. Think Outside Boundaries – Probably one of the most arduous tasks, but that has the most significant return. Find the boundaries and explore the alternatives. This act requires courage to confront the truth you have been exposed to and shaped by.
3. Explore Divergence – Nurture the ability to think in divergent directions by evaluating everything from at least one different point of view. To be effective at this, ask others for their opinion and viewpoint to expand how you see the world.

Finally, be patient and graceful with your journey.

Thought leadership is primarily about adding value, challenging status quos, expanding mindsets. If the idea of a title only enthralls you, then your focus is off because thought leadership is another example of Leadership as a service construct.

There is no predetermined process, so start where you are and what you have.

Discard the illusion of a perfect time, analogy or space and share your gift with the world!

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Dr. Flo?is a Hybrid leader: American born, British Trained and Nigerian Raised. Client Partner, Organizational Leadership Psychologist, Inclusion Strategist, and Executive Coach?@?Korn Ferry?|?Follow me on Twitter?@drflofalayi