Clarify the meaning of your vision
I’m active on LinkedIn group discussions, and I find that sharing ideas, dialogue and conversation there is a powerfully enriching experience because of the diversity of thought that LinkedIn members offer. With 330-plus million members, LinkedIn gives us all a global worldview that opens our eyes, minds and hearts to different ways to understand the world and our lives.
Today, an individual asked a question in one of my LinkedIn discussions that made me stop in my tracks. He asked, “What IS thought leadership?”
The term “thought leadership” is bantered around a million times a day online, but do we all know what we mean by it? I’ve been honored and thrilled to highlight the work of what I believe are top thought leaders in our world today, through my various blogs on Forbes, Huffington Post, LinkedIn, and others. But I realized this morning that I’ve never sat down and actually defined for myself what I believe great “thought leadership” is, and what I see as the highest form of it. So, I took a stab.
Here’s my definition of the highest version of a thought leader:
Thought leaders are informed opinion leaders and go-to experts in their field of expertise. Their perspectives, work and ideas move the understanding, implications and applications of their topic forward. They are trusted sources who – with integrity, authenticity and passion – move, educate, enliven and inspire people with innovative ideas that motivate positive change. They help turn ideas into reality, and have done the work to develop a teachable point of view that shares with others how to replicate their success. They are motivated not by being “right” but by helping and being of service.
I believe that the best thought leaders also possess the 9 core traits of people who positively impact the world.
But I’m interested in your interpretations and definitions of a thought leader. How would you describe the best of the best thought leaders in the world? What do they do, inspire, and create for us? How do they impact the world in a positive way?
Please share your definitions below!
I know that putting a stake in the ground and defining the best thought leadership helps me create a vision for what I want to strive to offer and become. How about you?
This article originally appeared on KathyCaprino.com and is republished here with permission.
Kathy Caprino, M.A. is an international career and personal success coach, writer, speaker and leadership developer dedicated to the advancement of women worldwide. Considered a “brave up” expert for professionals, Kathy is the author of Breakdown, Breakthrough, and Founder of Ellia Communications, Inc., the Amazing Career Project and Amazing Career™ Coach Certification training. Kathy is also a Forbes, Huffington Post and LinkedIn contributor,
