The Idea Dude

CONNECTING THE DOTS ONE AT A TIME

Saturday, November 03, 2007

Lead by connecting others to your thoughts

The title was Why NOT to be a thought leader and yet ironically, it got me thinking. Did that make Liz a leader? you betcha!

It got me thinking...

  • Being a thought leader doesn't mean every idea has to be new. It means we led a person to a idea that was new to them.
  • Being a thought leader is about listening and watching. Collective thought is infinitely more powerful than the thought of one.
  • Being a thought leader means making choices. We have to pick the ones that make sense and evolve others so that they make sense to us.
  • Being a thought leader requires risk. To not be afraid to create or endorse a radical thought because it resonates within us.
  • Being a thought leader needs a voice. How will they follow if we are not heard.
  • Being a thought leader has a heart. For many, there is no doubt it is spurred by a genuine desire to change the world not matter how small the contribution may be.
  • Being a thought leader is seldom a choice, perhaps it is more a calling. The very best never think of themselves as such. For them, it is just a natural thing to share their intellectual wonderment.


Take me to place I haven't been, inspire me with a word, ask me a question no-one has asked, share with me the things that make you wonder, then you would be my thought leader.

Liz started the question and it led to a new thought...

Perhaps we should not be searching for new thoughts but for new thinkers

6 Comments:

Blogger "ME" Liz Strauss said...

you thought leader, you.

smile

8:57 PM  
Blogger The Idea Dude said...

Hmm, we shouldn't forget who led me down this path.

Smiling back

10:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Vern, I have been following this train of thoughts with interest, and loved the way Liz tried to deny her thought leadership role - and promptly got us all thinking some more!!

Is it something to do with being porous...

The ability to transmit, and receive...

Open enough that things can flow through us - acting as the conduit for thought?

Joanna

6:03 AM  
Blogger The Idea Dude said...

Joanna,

She got us all thinking, didn't she?

"conduit" is a great word. The other one that comes to mind is "catalyst".

Vern

8:41 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Vern:

What a cool way of breaking down into parts what a thought leader is. I loved it.

My favorites were having a heart and taking risks. A good thought leaders needs these two, in my opinion.

Great article dude! I just stumbled you cuz you're AWESOME my friend! :)

1:45 PM  
Blogger The Idea Dude said...

Hi Stephen,

Thanks a lot for the complement.

Anyone reading your blog will know why you chose those two favorites. They're what you're all about!

Vern

6:03 PM  

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