Recently, some friends who are in major career transitions asked me for advice about how to showcase their expertise. Possibly because thought leadership packaging is one of the things I do with my executive coaching clients, they came to me for honest and candid thoughts. Of course, I was ready to share. Each person is a thought leader–or has the potential to be–whether they realize it or not. Often, leaders only think of gurus on the speaking circuits or the CEO of a company as thought leaders. I always nudge people to focus on their gifts blended with their real-world experience.
What do you know? What have you continued to grow? How do you develop those around you with this knowledge and experience? Sometimes the people you develop are your direct team in an organization. But people who are influenced by you are actually everywhere–think about how much time you spend on social media channels. Consider favorite influencers you follow as well as from whom you take advice. Here’s my list for those wanting to identify and develop their own thought leadership:
1. Identify your differentiators.
2. Analyze how you do what you do in unique ways compared with your peers in that same zone.
3. Share this knowledge across platforms and with audiences who will benefit or expect it from you.
Drop me a line if you have a specific question connected with your thought leadership or decision to grow it: roshini@thecrisisfiles.com
