Established, since 1997, leading UK based training provider.
Celebrating 25 years in business! CPD Member - The CPD Certification Service ilm Recognised Provider

What are the Qualities of a Thought Leader?

What are the Qualities of a Thought Leader?

What are the Qualities of a Thought Leader?

Thought leaders are those people who change the world with their ideas, rather than by military conquest.

Thought leaders know that you cannot force a mind.

If we want to change the behaviour of society, then we must change its prevailing ideas. Ideas change societies, therefore we must use ideas, not force, to change things.

History shows us how a single good idea has the power to change everything:

  1. Darwin's ideas on natural selection transformed the world.
  2. Thomas Jefferson's idea that all people are "created equal" and each of us is endowed with "unalienable rights".
  3. Martin Luther King's idea of equality changed the world.
  4. Modern ideas of "sustainable energy" are in the process of changing the world.

Thought leaders should always be clear, rational, and positive.

1 A Thought Leader must be Clear.

Thought leaders make thought and communication as clear, precise and accurate as possible.

They carefully avoid ambiguity, vagueness or over-generalised language because such language causes miscommunication, confusion and error.

Clear, accurate and precise language causes greater understanding and cooperation.

So, strive to be clear and distinct in your thoughts and in your use of language.

2. A Thought Leader must be Rational.

Some thought leaders are clear, but they may also be clearly wrong.

Therefore, thought leaders must offer good reasons to believe that what they say is true, right, good and practical.

  • True: Your message corresponds to the facts.
  • Right: Your message corresponds to proper ethics.
  • Good: The implementation of your ideas will result in progress towards your goals.
  • Practical: Your ideas are capable of being put into practice in the real world.

To make your communication more rational, use logic.

Logic is the method of reason. Thought leaders ensure that conclusions are based upon a logical evaluation of all the available evidence.

If we fail to provide a rationale for our ideas, then nobody will have any reason to believe them. But, if we do provide a logic for our ideas, then people will be more inclined to believe them.

3. A Thought Leader must be Positive.

Thought leaders try to imbue their communication with a sense of positivity.

This means being as optimistic as the facts will allow. By being optimistic, we believe the future will be better than the present.

Be friendly - assuming a likeable tone, good humour and respect - with a "can-do" attitude.

A can-do attitude means we focus on what can be done and how; not on what cannot be done and why.


About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years’ experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

Blogs by Email

Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!

Further Reading in Leadership and Management

  • Why "Free Online Management Courses" Might Not Be the Best Choice for You
    Discover why free online management courses might not provide the depth or support needed to advance your career. Explore the value of professional training, including expert-led courses like our two-day Leadership and Management Training.
    Read Article >
  • Leadership skills
    Leadership Skills Leadership skills are a unique blend of attributes, and abilities, that, when combined into one person, allows that person, to function as a leader. If the person possesses, by nature, all the attributes and abilities, then we say he/she is lucky to be a born leader. If the person...
    Read Article >
  • How can I be a confident leader?
    Can you communicate your goal, your plan and inspire others? To be a confident leader, you need to develop these six qualities. Take our quiz to find out if you have the necessary qualities to be a confident leader.
    Read Article >
  • Best Management Books
    Looking to grow your management skills? Expert management coach Chris Farmer recommends top books and resources to help you learn from the best.
    Read Article >
  • The Benefits Of Working As A Team
    Discover the benefits of teamwork and how you can better collaborate with this helpful guide. Find out more about our training courses online today.
    Read Article >

Looking for Leadership and Management Training?

If you're looking to develop your Leadership and Management Skills, you may find this Leadership and Management Training Course beneficial:

Open Training Course Pricing and Availability

2 - 3 April
Manchester City
£900 +VAT
14 - 15 April
London - Central
£900 +VAT
7 - 8 May
Online - Teams
£900 +VAT
12 - 13 May
Birmingham
£900 +VAT
More dates and locations available
Save £100 on this course

Next Open Course Starts in 13 days, Manchester City, places available Book Now >