Krista Mashore, the Founder and CEO of Krista Mashore Coaching, is empowering coaches and entrepreneurs to grow by sharing her insights and experiences. In a recent article, she reflected on what it means to be a “thought leader” and outlined the stages one must go through to become one. She believes that a thought leader is someone who is respected and listened to, even if their opinions may differ from others.
According to Mashore, there are three stages to becoming a thought leader. The first stage is being an expert, someone who has deep knowledge and experience in their industry. The second stage is becoming an authority, where one positions themselves as a figurehead in their field through writing, speaking, or training. The final stage is becoming a thought leader, which involves having expertise, authority, and a forward-thinking vision that sets them apart from others.
Mashore offers some tips for moving from being an expert to a thought leader. She advises not being afraid to go against the grain, to think differently and innovate even if it goes against conventional wisdom. She also suggests looking for opportunities or problems that others may be overlooking, similar to how Thomas Edison pioneered the concept of research and development.
Communication is another key aspect of becoming a thought leader. Mashore shares her own journey of overcoming her fear of public speaking through practice and coaching. She emphasizes the importance of being able to communicate ideas effectively in a way that resonates with the audience. By continuously improving communication skills and sharing valuable insights, one can build a reputation as a thought leader in their industry.
To become a thought leader, Mashore recommends focusing on being both an expert and an authority in your field, taking time for quality thinking, and continuously improving communication skills. By asking questions, challenging the status quo, and seeking out opportunities for growth, individuals can position themselves as thought leaders. Ultimately, by sharing valuable information and insights with authenticity, one can build a reputation that leads to being recognized as a thought leader in their industry.
