Research has shown in order to become a master in a particular field, you need to invest at least 10,000 hours of practice within the field. In addition, to be effective, this practice has to be deliberate: it must be mindful and completed with the constant goal of improvement. How do these 10,000 hours of practice relate to thought leadership within a particular field?
Becoming a thought leader requires the same amount of attention as becoming a master violinist, golfer, or painter. It takes a commitment to constant improvement with an eye to becoming an expert in the field. If you want to become a thought leader, you must give yourself a road map to success so the hours you spend at work will be transformed into the “deliberate practice” that will turn you into an authoritative expert.
Attend Conferences. You need to know what other thought leaders are doing and saying. The best way to locate other thought leaders is to attend conferences within your field. Conferences tend to attract large numbers of eminent figures within any particular field.
Read Current Research. A though leader must be thoroughly knowledgeable about his or her industry. It’s necessary to read current research or reports from within your field. Subscribe to journals, newspapers, magazines, or any form of media that conveys recent news within your business.
Connect With Other Fields. Thought leaders earn success by devising creative solutions, theories, or ideas within their trade. Creativity requires flexible thinking and a multidimensional understanding of a vocation. In order to see your work from a different perspective, connect with other professions or study to cultivate mental flexibility.
By focusing on gaining more experience every day, your commitment to becoming a thought leader will begin to pay off. Being knowledgeable about your business will give you a keen sense of view to allow you to recognize trends and opportunities.
If you have any questions or comments about thought leadership and small business success, please feel free to contact us!
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