Does calling yourself a ‘thought leader’ feel a little awkward?

Let’s be honest, for some, being known as a thought leader is a little uncomfortable. 

There seems to be two camps; those who believe that ‘thought leadership’ is essential for business and client success and those who think it’s simply a tired and rather uneasy ego-trip.

The term ‘thought leader’ has taken on connotations similar to those of the ‘influencer’. There’s a coveted pillar of authority to reach, but nobody is really sure how it works... 

Do we wait to be honoured with the role of ‘thought leader’? Do we somehow, quietly, adorn ourselves with the title?

The concept of thought leadership is intangible – you can’t measure it and it’s entirely subjective and these days, it’s often self-bestowed. Which is likely why it’s become a little awkward and contrived.

In the era of personal brands and perpetually high visibility, being a thought leader seems imperative to the success of one’s brand. Yet being a thought leader doesn’t automatically generate leads or sales. In theory and often in practice, being a thought leader doesn’t equate to business success. Which is, in itself, a little awkward.

What is a thought leader, really?

The term ‘thought leader’ is now such common vernacular, regardless of industry, that to many it’s lost its meaning.

Let’s return to its original definition: ‘somebody who leads people to a new way of thinking’. Thought leadership, then, is just sharing what you know through delivering that all-important valuable content in a way that benefits both your audience and your business.

So aren’t we all thought leaders? Ah—not so awkward after all!

What purpose does being a thought leader serve for business?

In times of change and uncertainty – which is, in itself, the normal, we really need bold thinkers to lead a new way, to come up with new ideas, to rethink what it means to hire, develop, engage and reward their own clients’ workforce. 

So, while some of us are cringing at the idea of ‘thought leadership’, audiences are positively calling for trusted authority, exerted influence and something quite different. 

And this presents an important opportunity for you to be a key leader in overcoming market challenges and leading a new way in your niche in a way that serves both your HR leader clients and your business.

How white papers build thought leadership

The way we choose to forerun this new direction will need to be multifold – and not awkward.

A well-researched, considered and constructed white paper is a tangible and non-awkward showcase of your leadership. 

If, as we know, a thought leader offers direction where there is little, and clarity where there is chaos, and, if, through the medium of your white paper, you’re offering a solution to a problem your potential client has, then your white paper can be invaluable. 

And not just to them – but to your business-building activity too.

Refining your ‘leading thoughts’

One of the biggest challenges I see when I start to chat with consultants, coaches and psychologists wanting to share their services with the HR world, is pinning down and getting clear on what they want to say – and working out what really makes them different to the others in the market. 

It’s partly a lack of a sounding board. Partly a lack of knowledge about the competitive landscape or what the HR leader wants. Partly time and partly know-how. 

Whatever the reason, I know that when we start to work together it becomes clear – very quickly – what the nugget of difference really is; where they are, in effect, leading the way, or have a specific insight into the challenges HR face.  

Then it’s a short step to working this into a white paper that brings research together, demonstrates difference and showcases insight. 

Is it time you shared your insight with the wider world? Is it time you pulled together your thinking into a white paper or report?

If so, get in touch.