Page 18 - Ignite Change: Unleashing thought leadership - A roadmap to thougth leadership

The primary markers of thought leadership are:

“Informed opinion leader.”

An informed opinion leader is someone who has credible
knowledge and produces “informational influence” (van Eck, Jager,

and Leeflang 2011). You influence people directly, on an
interpersonal level, through your exploration and innovation.

“Ideas into reality.”
Thought leaders do not re-state old ideas; they bring something

new and innovative to their field of interest. However, the caveat is
that this idea is not static. A thought leader develops the concept

into practical tools such as frameworks, processes or blueprints.
The goal is to contribute to meaningful and sustainable change

(Amtower 2013).

“Create a dedicated group” / “Trusted source.”

A key component of being a thought leader is the creation of your

PLN (personal learning network). This network constitutes your

main information sharing system, and via these channels, you

become a trusted source. What we like about Denise Brosseau’s
definition is that this PLN should consist of “friends, fans and

followers”. In Chapter 4, we expand on how to develop your PLN.

Sitting behind your desk whipping up content will only get you so far. Being a thought

leader is about participation in your ecosystem. Most thought leaders share the
same traits (Brosseau 2014a). Let’s see what they are:

18