“The terms ‘Thought Leadership’ have become so worn out that they seem like the toilet paper of business terminology.
However, it’s easy to stray from the point when the term was coined to describe people ‘who had ideas that deserved attention.’ Quite romantic, isn’t it?
Joel Kurtzman, way back in the Paleolithic era of 1994, gave us an adorable definition. But, I prefer the update from Shel Israel, a writer for Forbes.
According to him, a thought leader is:
‘Someone who looks to the future and charts a path that others will follow. They observe best practices and optimize them. They foster change and often cause major disruptions.’
Here’s the million-dollar question: why should CEOs care about this vortex called thought leadership? Is it a way to polish their corporate shield?
No, it’s not just that. It’s a light in the middle of the storm.
When product companies began to feel the pursuit of competition, they turned to service as their saving sail.
Now, even service is becoming just another product. So, it seems that the next big thing will be competing in Thought Leadership.
Because, although all CEOs lead their companies — that’s pretty obvious — only a few also lead their industries and inspire the world to think in new perspectives.
But beware, a thought leader doesn’t just depend on having ideas that deserve attention, but also on being able to influence others and make them follow their ideas.
And there lies the real adventure.
Establishing yourself as someone who drives innovation and the discussion of fresh ideas is a valuable and ultimately lucrative treasure for anyone in the business world.
Raising the credibility and visibility of your company can only lead you to good port.
But becoming a ‘thought leader’ doesn’t happen by magic.
‘Thought leaders’ are loved, respected, and can make more connections than a domino game; they are admired by both clients and specialists.
Basically, they are the Pirates of the Caribbean of their industries.
Therefore, it will be necessary to work hard and anchor yourself in a positioning strategy that allows you to gain recognition as a reference authority in your field.
Finally, don’t forget that earning the respect and loyalty of others is hard work.
It’s not enough to know a couple of things; you have to get on stage and attract your audience.
And once you reach the top, you’ll have to keep pulling rabbits out of the hat to maintain your position.
