What is the path one should take if one wants to be a thought leader?

Originally answered Jun 13, 2019

From Stephen Collins:

You should never declare yourself a thought leader. You should do great work, share it, and earn the respect of your community.

From Tim Powell:

It is not as easy as just checking some boxes on a to-do list. Your heart and soul really have to be in it.

1. Develop expertise in a field

2. Develop insights that are engaging and useful to others.

3. Present

• At respected conferences
• At workshops and training courses
• During community of practice events
• On YouTube videos

4. Publish

• In respected periodicals
• Books or book chapters
• Presentations in SlideShare
• Conduct and share interviews

5. Post

• A regular blog
• Tweet regularly about your field of expertise
• Regularly post, reply, and answer questions in community of practice threaded discussions
• Regularly answer questions in Quora

6. Be interviewed for articles and podcasts

7. Lead or help lead a community of practice or a professional society

8. Don’t give up. But calibrate and pivot when needed.

See also:

• What is “thought leadership”?
• How to Build Your Personal Digital Brand: 10 Helpful Lists
• What areas do you have deep knowledge in? How and why?
• Knowledge Management Thought Leaders
• How does one become an expert in his/her field?