For some time I have been publishing 140 character thought leadership definitions sent to me by people who follow my twitter feed @thoughtstrategy . I used to publish these on my old www.thoughtleadershipstrategy.net blog site but for the first time these are being published on the Leading Thought blog. I hope it motivates others to send their definitions to @thoughtstrategy – all definitions are welcome.
At the end of the year we compile a list of the top 20 definitions and we pick a winner who receives a free copy of our book #Thought Leadership Tweet 140 prompts for designing and executing an effective thought leadership campaign.
Here is a collation of some of those definitions for February and March – April and May will follow at the beginning of June. Thanks to everyone for participating:
Creating, sharing & exemplifying novel solutions that add value to people and real world challenges.
Besides it meaning one being an authority in a particular field, I think thought leadership is the ability to push the current envelope of a subject matter to create new synthesis of ideas & not been afraid to apply these new ideas.
(This is a combination of two tweets Samuel sent me)
Challenging the best from those we serve.
Perfect blending of #creativity #foresight #expertise with messaging that resonates with an audience.
James Solomons @JamesSolomonsCA
Thought leadership is paving the way for others to challenge their own status quo.
…is being brave enough to put your ideas in the spotlight and invite feedback.
Janet Dillabaugh @jdcoachconsult
Thought Leadership is a process of social influence, which maximizes the efforts of others, towards the achievement of a goal.
Thought leaders shift the current perception and knowledge in his/her area of expertise to the new level of thinking.
Thought leadership in my view are individuals who are experts in their field, who can speak and lead with specific insight.
Thought leadership is a conclusive concept conceived by an inspiring & skilled professional that is believed by others as an ultimate truth.
Saying what people know in a way they had never thought about it before and in a way that makes everything clearer and more exciting.
Thought leadership involves the ability to take complex thoughts, present them clearly & simply & to allow a broader audience to consider & expand.
To be an authority, challenging ideas and beliefs while delivering value and solutions that guides and encourages progress and growth.
Thought leadership is thinking way out in front of the box!
The ability to communicate what could be based on past experience/knowledge, that could benefit others & advance an industry or community.
Michael B. Moore @michael_b_moore
. . . the ability to contribute content that becomes considered a part of the leading edge of ‘best practices’ on an issue/topic/profession.
Thought leadership is sharing your passion & expertise on a topic with people who are thirsty to learn.
TL = visionary, forward thinker, provides well formulated opinions, advisor, strategist, inspires, informs, innovates…
Thought leadership is the imparting of expert knowledge by key people of influence in their chosen fields to qualified stakeholders.
Great question! IMHO “thought leadership”, is expressing ideas in a way that shows others you get what matters to them.
Brian Corrigan @brianjcorrigan
One of the most overused phrases in business communications. Real thought leadership challenges commonly held views with a new perspective.
Hi! Thought leadership to me is being able to use your thoughts and opinions to inspire people to make moves for the greater good.
Sharon Schweitzer JD @austinprotocol
Thought Leadership: cultural awareness in building trust, inspiring respect & creating long lasting relationships.
(As an aside, co-founder of this blog and co-author of our book #Thought Leadership Tweet, Dr Liz Alexander acted as a consulting book strategist to Sharon for her recent book ‘Access to Asia’. The book recently won three categories in the US Books News 2015 International Book Awards including Best New Non Fiction – well done Sharon and Liz!)
It is instilling ideas, knowledge & philosophy in people, and encouraging them to relay and impart that knowledge to others…
Thought leadership is convincingly demonstrating subject matter expertise and industry leadership in a persuasive, passionate manner.
Listening Impact @listeningimpact
Being the voice behind an industry, concept, or idea that is turned to first & sets standards.
Specific to an area of expertise that is authentic and unique.
TL is SHARING REAL KNOWLEDGE for the advancement of the greater good to establish your brands personality and establish strong relationships.
…giving people a new perspective on a part of their lives (not just sharing ‘inspirational quotes’ on social media!)
Influence that sparks action.
Venerate Digital @VeniDigiMedia
Thought leadership is clearly a different type of growth strategy for corporations.
Thought leaders are authorities in the field, can see where an industry is going in the future and can shape opinions of others.
Angela & Harry @Pawz4ThoughtUK
Thought leadership is inspiring others to courageously follow their hearts, to bravely go off piste, & have the guts to show vulnerability.
Thanks to all those who took part. If you have read through these and think you have a definition that will add to these or build on them, please feel free to send yours to me @thoughtstrategy.
Craig Badings is one of the co-founders of Leading Thought. Follow him on twitter at @thoughtstrategy
To find out how companies and individuals have used their insights and thought leadership to grow their business, click on this eight-part audio series. This bumper thought leadership package comes with numerous free thought leadership books, including our award winning #Thought Leadership Tweet: 140 Prompts for Designing and Executing an Effective Thought Leadership Campaign.
