The speaking business is made up of thought leaders and thought followers. Bill Gove was a thought leader. Larry Wilson was a thought leader. Bob Proctor is a thought leader. Most speakers are simply regurgitating the thoughts of others. The question is, are you REALLY a thought leader? What differentiates you from other speakers? What is your unique point of view on your subject of expertise? Have you taken a clear and bold position that establishes you as a thought leader? These are among the most important questions all speakers must answer. Watch this short video I taped in Minneapolis after attending the funeral of the great Larry Wilson, the man who mentored me on this concept for 17 years.
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Steve –
Excellent reminder – it’s an area of increased emphasis for me.
As Dr. Andrei said above, thought leadership requires actual “thinking” – an immersion in your topic or expertise to give you the necessary foundation. I requires developing thoughtful opinions based on your foundation.
It requires staying current – always looking for what’s going on in your topic and tangential topics as well.
And it also involves a willingness – actually, an eagerness – to seek out opinions of others, especially those who differ with you. (An area I know I need to work on!)
Thanks for being a role model for thought leadership, Steve!
Wiz…
I think one of the requirements of being a thought leader is taking the risk of saying and doing things others are afraid to say and do, in a calculated and informed way.
If you’re not able to take the risk of saying and doing something different (that you believe in), then you are not a leader. If you’re not willing to face the consequences and be held accountable and responsible for your actions and thoughts (with good or bad results), then you’re a follower and not a leader.
As a speaker, it’s comfortable to regurgitate what other thought leaders say because there is no risk in regurgitation. Regurgitation of proven material is comfort, and when you are comfortable there is no risk and consequently there is no leadership.
Great prompt Steve and thought leadership requires confidence to be willing to be the explorer who is slightly out ahead of the rest.
I read a great article in the newspaper today where the journalist was very critical of keynote speakers on the corporate circute who were simply regurgitating the latest “in thing” in the corporate world.
The question I ask myself is what contribution can I make to the world that is unique to my experience and that can help others?
When I ask that question my speeches are more meaningful to myself and others.
Good question Steve. I believe being a great though leader is someone that can take risk and know how to communicate in a way that they can sell or send the message through. Someone that can say things that need to be said in a way you could never say them yourself.