Not everyone who says they want to be a thought leader really means it.
What they really mean is they want the benefits of being a thought leader.
They want people to look up to them. They want to be a recognized authority. They want their name to be a deal closer.
Maybe they even want to be famous, at least in their own corner of the world.
But just like fame has its downside (ask any celebrity who really just wants to run to the drugstore for NyQuil and not have to talk to anybody) so does thought leadership.
Being a thought leader requires taking a stand on something.
And any time you take a stand, you can become a target.
If you are truly leading people to a new way of thinking and seeing their world, you are going to get pushback.
People will disagree with you.
Not always politely.
As my friend Laura Livingston said, “If I’m at least a tiny bit nervous to say it that strongly, I’m probably on the right track.”
One thing that makes this pushback easier to take is to really, truly believe in your position.
Not to take one that seems like it will get you a lot of attention fast, but to take one that actually means something to you.
A stance you can and will passionately defend.
Where will you plant your flag?