The Ineffable Concept of Thought Leadership

This is a collection point for what’s bouncing around in my head about “thought leadership.” This is an active investigation (…meditation?). Content here will absolutely change over time – I will add, delete, edit, and consolidate as my own thinking evolves.

• You can read a bit about why I’m doing this here: About this Site

• If you want to skip to the chase and get some (hopefully good) advice, go here: Some Advice

• If you’re looking for book recommendations, try here: Resources

Otherwise, dig in. I hope this helps you.

Chapters (Thoughts? Rants?)

1. Disclaimer

   Some words of warning before we get started

2. Defining Thought Leadership

   What is thought leadership?

3. Breaking Down Thought Leadership

   The whole is made up of smaller parts

4. The Unspoken Goals of Thought Leadership

   This is what we want to happen

5. The Mechanics of Thought Leadership

   There’s a basic framework for how it happens

6. The Flavors of Thought Leadership

   There are different types of thought leadership artifact.

7. Voice and Attribution in Thought Leadership

   Who should thought leadership content be “from”?

8. Thought Leadership and Career Evolution

   Our motivation for and approach to thought leadership might change throughout a career

9. The Fears We Don't Talk About

   Publishing content can be scary, and that’s probably the biggest obstacle

10. The Peril and Opportunity of AI

    Generative AI seems perfect for all this, doesn’t it?

11. Performative Thought Leadership

    Make sure you can back it up

12. Thought Leadership as a Job Role and Program

    Can you run thought leadership as a full-time job?

13. The Formats and Artifacts of Thought Leadership

    What forms does it take?

14. Obstacles to Success

    Here are some things that could prevent a program from establishing and thriving

15. The Identity vs. The Practice

    Can you give yourself the title?

16. Some Advice

    Ideas for getting started

17. Resources

    Some more information

A Final Word

I’ve analyzed this concept a lot. I do not recommend this.

What I do recommend is just publishing good content. Don’t overthink it.

Maybe some information here might help you once you get down the road a bit, or if you’re trying to establish a larger program. But if you’re just starting out, just do it and figure out the details later.