Positioning Yourself as a Thought Leader
When you position yourself as a Thought Leader, career opportunities come to you.
So how do you become one?
Being a Thought Leader isn't about expertise alone, and it's also not just about being visible. It's a combination of several attributes, that when brought together, inspire new ideas and ways of being.
These attributes can be described as the 6 V's:
Value: Thought Leaders offer value. How? By being reflective and observant - They consider how they've created success in the past, as well as the mistakes they've made (and the lessons learned because of them). This introspection lets them develop their own philosophies for what works and what doesn't.
Vision: Thought Leaders inspire. They don't just stay in the past (or in the present). They allow themselves to live in the land of possibility, and consider how to bridge that gap through visionary forward direction.
Vulnerability: There is no hiding. There is a willingness to share the pitfalls and share themselves. This lets others feel invited to let the guard down, too. This is how Thought Leaders don't just create new ideas - they catalyze new ways of being.
Visibility: They find and create platforms to spread their insights. This can be through writing books, posting online, or creating speaking opportunities. They give themselves the chance to be seen.
Versatility: It's not about staking a claim and sticking to it forever. There's a willingness to flex, to flow. As thoughts evolve, so does their message. As new data is discovered, their view expands.
Voice: Thought Leaders don't mimic. They use their own way, their own voice to express their message. And that unique flavor allows their words to stand out from the crowd.
So if you're looking for more career opportunities, or simply more chances to provide help to the world, consider these 6 V's. Notice which ones come naturally to you, and which you may want to further emphasize.
Because your perspective matters. There is room for it, and benefit from it being shared.
