Articles on Success, Significance and the Evolving Role of Work

In the early 1990s, the phrase, “thought leader,” took off in business culture.

It showed up in books, journals, you name it.

These days, it seems everyone from executives to aspiring authors aim to be one.

Ironically, those who come closest to deserving the title — people like Seth Godin, Tom Peters and Jennifer McCrea — actively avoid the phrase.

Chances are someone you advise or work with will argue about the importance of “thought leadership” and solicit your advice on how they can do it.

Here’s what you can do. Ask them to complete this sentence:

I am my industry’s go-to for…”

If what they do is community-specific, rather than industry-specific — maybe they run a local ministry, accounting firm or therapy service — replace “industry” with “community.”

I am my community’s go-to for…”

Very few can finish either of these sentences. Should someone claim to be an industry or community leader, ask them to Google the phrase they used to complete the sentence.

Does their name and/or digital properties appear in the top search results? And what about social media? Are they in demand from people seeking advice on that phrase?

I hope two ideas are emerging:

1. Being a thought leader means being THE go-to for something specific — a topic or task.
2. A person’s reputation as a go-to for something begins at a local level, typically inside company or small community, then grows out from there.

And that’s where you can really help those you serve.

Help them start small and local. Become a go-to for something specific — an in-demand topic or task — inside their company or a small community.

Then see if word spreads and establishes them as an industry or community go-to over time.

If you want to go deeper:

• Fast Company’s Golden Rules For Creating Thought Leadership
• Michael Brenner’s 4 Questions to Ask When Thinking of Thought Leadership

Image by Atos on Flickr.

Yesterday, I re-read the New York Times op-ed Molly Ringwald wrote following John Hughes’ passing. It’s a beautiful essay.

Near the end, she wrote, “John saw something in me I didn’t even see in myself.”

That’s a big idea.

What if you were the person who could see things in others they couldn’t see in themselves?

Take some time and reflect on that question. It has the potential of literally changing the world.

As you know, the 5Ws are who, what, when, where and why.

Of course, how is an important question too.

Here is an interesting way to apply the 5Ws and H to your business or career:

• Your mission is who you serve and why
• Your vision is what you intend to change or achieve for those you serve
• Your strategy is where you will take risks and place bets to leap ahead
• Your plan is how and when you will accomplish this (including how much you will invest)

Are you clear about the kind of person you serve? Can you picture someone’s face?

What gets you out of bed in the morning? What problem are you trying to solve in people’s lives?

What change matters enough to you that you’re willing to risk your time, finances and reputation?

How are you living your mission? When will your vision be a reality?

Last week, I attended a terrific conference. I was surrounded by wicked smart, turned-on people, which was exhilarating.

As people told me their stories, I listened carefully to their aspirations and plans.

And I noticed something.

Many had answered some of the Ws, but not all. And I could sense their restlessness.

Others had answered all of the Ws, but their answers were complex, not clear. And I could sense their confusion.

I’ve decided to take time, put pen to paper and answer these questions for myself. Again.

My answers have gotten too complex. I’m trying to serve different kinds of people with multiple solutions.

My professional narrative lacks impact.

What about you?

Maybe it’s time you worked through these questions for your career or business.