Thought Leadership

When sensationalism drives engagement, are we losing the art of thoughtful consideration?

We all know the old adage... think - before you speak.

Mum drilled that one into me (I won't go into the reason why that was necessary). It is derived from a longer quote accredited to radio talk show host Bernard Meltzer, which seems to have evolved over time: 'Before you speak ask yourself if it is True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary and Kind? If the answer is no, maybe what you are about to say should be left unsaid.'

There is a similar Buddhist tradition where Monks are taught that 'a statement endowed with five factors is well-spoken, not ill-spoken.' (Vaca Sutta: A Statement" (AN 5.198), translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu).

What are the five factors?

It is spoken at the right time. It is spoken in truth. It is spoken affectionately. It is spoken beneficially. It is spoken with a mind of good-will.

We can take this a step further and consider the importance of thought leadership: individuals who take the time to think, and share insightful and inspiring ideas, building a positive reputation for helping others with their knowledge and insight.?

Independent thought leadership is a concept that embodies the courage to challenge the status quo, to question prevailing narratives and to offer fresh perspectives without being bound to any ideology or agenda, hidden or otherwise.

That’s not to say thought leadership is immune to scrutiny and critique. Sparking dialogue is part of the point. Encouraging intellectual debate is the catalyst for questioning assumptions, exploring new avenues of thought, pushing boundaries, having richer discussions, devising more creative solutions, and driving positive change.

As wisdom would suggest, it is not an opportunity for amplified voices to engage in divisive arguments, or be taken as an opportunity to disparage individuals for having the thought in the first place.

So what is a thought leader, and how do you become one?

Putting the gendered image aside, this infographic is a good example explaining the anatomy (ironically) of a thought leader.

Wine Australia’s Future Leaders program builds and cultivates Thought Leaders.

An essential feature of the program is fostering a culture of trust, enabling all characteristics of thought leadership to develop over time (to be fair, those who enter the program are already well on their way!)

It is a program that embraces diversity of background, experience and thought, and recognises the value of different perspectives. Creativity and risk-taking is respected, rewarded, and celebrated – in all forms.

The program empowers critical and considered thinking, inspiring meaningful dialogue and genuine insights, culminating in each Future Leader writing and publishing their thought leadership.

Importantly, the tone for communication is set through the actions and attitudes of everyone involved.

It takes time to craft, and consume, thought leadership.

It is effortless and safe to regurgitate group think sprinkled with hyperbole and sensationalism, to get a few more 'likes'.

As it turns out, mums are always right: think - before you speak, but also begin to question whether your information diet contains humility over hubris, substance over superficiality, and purpose over power.

You can read Thought Leadership volumes 1 to 4 here: https://www.wineaustralia.com/research_and_innovation/in-practice/people-development/future-leaders

Applications for the next Future Leaders program will open in January 2025. Email [email protected] to be added to the alert list.