How do we define thought leadership?
Christina Wedgwood
Director, Writer, Content Strategist, Book Coach | Author of Better - A more authentic path for the reluctant thought leader.
Thought leadership is a tricky thing to define, and the definition seems to change depending on who you’re asking. Taken in its simplest terms, thought leadership is about leading with your thinking and ideas.
At the heart of thought leadership is a clear conviction. Passion. Drive. Why you’re here. You’ve helped people and seen what works – and now you want to help more people. Thought leaders believe in something. There’s a version of better that you’re striving for; something about the world that you are here to change and you’re not prepared to half-arse it.
However, true thought leaders move beyond feeling. To be in the market of knowing and understanding – using your insights to create and sustain authority – thought leaders’ ideas must be backed by rigorous thought and solid data. Not only are you willing to stand by your thinking, you also ensure that your ideas aren’t going to fall over in a stiff breeze. You’ve considered, contemplated, and looked at where the holes are.?
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Thought leaders act on ideas; you’re making proactive efforts to change something. Thought leadership is a long game, and you live and breathe your ideas daily. We often talk about thought leaders as having something to say and the experience to back that up. Action is about results, and this is the first thing people need to know you for. Walking the walk - and proving your point everyday – is important.
Finally, there’s leadership. The rest is all well and good but isn’t going to move the dial if a thought leader isn’t inspiring others to act, listen or think – building trust and legacy in the process. You can’t have thought leadership without leadership. Thought leaders show others the way.
Thought leaders share expertise, knowledge, and passion freely. You show up for the people you are here to serve and give them the tools they need to be their best. In doing so, you drive conversations, lead the way in your industry, create products and services that have a (well-deserved) edge and become the expert in your field.