So, what is Thought Leadership?

As a leader in the 21st century, it is necessary to really think about what leadership means and more specifically, Thought Leadership.

The world has changed fundamentally in the last 10 years and dramatically in the last 6 months. A subtle shift in power and information accessibility has flipped the models for leadership in the organisational and entrepreneurial arenas.

We used to be about systems, process, structure and hierarchy. We now see an emerging requirement for inspirational, creative thinking, consultative styles and effective partnering. We see crowded marketplaces, information overwhelmed clients and a massive loss of trust in the media.

All of these trend indicators point to a new way of being the leader in business and life, and any manager, business leader, innovator, anyone charged with the responsibility of positioning themselves, their business or project to thrive within the next 5-10 years and anyone in an advice or strategy role needs to know what it takes to be a Thought Leader.

Thought Leadership requires the leaders of today to know about nine essential skills…

You need to know what your own uniqueness is. It is necessary to know what your personal value proposition is to effectively differentiate yourself to the internal and external clients. This is the key to talent management. (Who are you?)

You must have the ability to quickly unpack what you know so others can share your expertise and the benefit of your knowledge. In a developed world it's the thinking innovations that matter. (What do you know?)

Be aware of and share the foresight of the major trends redefining what it means to lead a business into the future. (What is going on around you?)

Know how to position yourself, your business or your organisation so people know exactly what you do and why they should do business only with you. (What do you do?)

Develop communication skills that help you get your point across in an engaging, relevant and meaningful way. (How do you share ideas?)

Learn how others think, their mindsets, and use this knowledge to create more effective consensus and/or cut through in your world. (How do others think?)

Know how to pitch you, your business or your ideas more effectively. (How do you get it out?)

Execute on your great ideas and bring them to reality. Go beyond simple creativity and deliver the results. (How do you launch a concept?)

Sell your vision and influence others so they engage and enrol with your ideas. (How do you sell the vision?)

It is imperative for the leaders of today and tomorrow to step up and into their Thought Leadership.

How does your Thought Leadership shape up? Which skill do you need to strengthen?

M@