In my endeavours to appreciate thought leadership, I came across words such as “influencer”, “trend setter”, “authority” and so on, and couldn’t help but feel that the said words were somewhat intimidating and quite heavy to say about oneself. Then I began to wonder if there were colleagues out there that have experiences in that regard. My nature is to allow myself to be confronted with my views about myself, whether negative or positive, but also to embrace and challenge them where necessary. I realized that what had crept in was fear and the absence of positive self-talk. I quickly picked up on these points and decided to see each attribute in context as I rose to the challenge!
We have all heard of the term “social media influencers”, I am sure. This category of influencers are in the entertainment industry and sometimes also called “socialites”. They are unapologetic about the fact that they seek to influence society with their message and behaviour that is broadcast. Whereas I will not give opinions about the messages and behaviour, the point I would like to make here is the deliberate effort and focus towards influence that is exhibited.
In the corporate world, we have a framework that regulates our behaviour, which includes the mode of garnering influence. I am of the considered view that what is a common denominator with the socialites is the intentional approach. A thought leader is expected to be ready and comfortable with the prospect that those around them may see them as an authority on certain matters, thereby being influenced by their leverage of industry expertise. Being explicit about the fact that you are in a position to influence thought is one thing but what is greater, in my view, is to believe it, enjoy it and see it as a responsibility. No one forced you to offer yourself as a thought leader, you want it, not so?! Be diligent in preparation and dissemination of your message or behaviour and do everything possible to stay ahead of the curve. By way of example, personally, I have found myself reading up on a matter, even if my gut tells me that my articulation with experience may be enough. I have self-imposed that duty because of the prospect that someone out there could use what I am saying to achieve certain goals. Therefore, clarity of speech and messaging is paramount, especially if you are hoping that your audience will grow with your increased imparting of knowledge.
To be considered an authority on something is also an attribute of thought leadership that I confront, by again saying that the thought leader must first demonstrate to themselves and say to themselves “I have something to say on this matter and I am able to back it up and subject it to interrogation and feedback. I am not afraid to be introduced to competing and even diluting views as this will only strengthen my reservoir of knowledge for deeper thought and even innovation”.
Trendsetter… oh yes! Trends are many and a thought leader is amongst those people that can do that. I am of the view that being open-minded as a thought leader is very important when considering setting trends. I have seen that trends are seen through several areas; the manner of delivery of content, appearance, mannerisms, language, lifestyle approaches and so on, over and above the trends that are specific to the core of the industry one is operating and leveraging on expertise in that regard. Have a signature “something” and set a trend!
I hope this piece will touch some colleagues the way it did me and brings a sense of friendliness to those seemingly huge words that describe a thought leader!
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