Are You A Thought Leader?

The assumption is that being a thought leader means you are an expert at the thing you're leading thoughts about. You can, however, be an expert at something that has been thought about for centuries – and not a leader at all.

What makes (you) a thought leader?

• Thinking something un-thought-of, out of the mainstream – including new spins on old concepts.

• Stepping into the unknown while barely knowing more than the folks you're leading.

• Welcoming being challenged as the basis for a new, more exciting version of your thoughts.

• Willingness to collaborate, not compete (the biggest resistance comes from those with similar thoughts).

• Taking responsibility for the evolution of your thoughts and the folks you're leading. Own what you put out, even when it leaves your sphere.

• Willingness to be wrong – you probably are, but you won't know until you test it. Inviting conversation at every turn.

• Being uncomfortable and unsure most of the time.

How to practice being a thought leader

• Know your stand and why you stand for it so you can challenge the status quo and not lose focus.

• Gain confidence. Your thoughts are only as strong as you.

• Find peers that will always question you.

• Treat your thoughts like a hypothesis. They can only be tested through exposure and they will likely change.

I don't believe it is the quality of your thoughts that makes you a thought leader, but how you think them and test them and grow with them.