I have a confession: I'm a Recovering Thought Leader!
To be honest, I never really was a Thought Leader. It was my ego!
Let me explain…
There’s a lot of currency placed on the term “Thought Leader.” It’s almost become a qualification. Like an MBA. Or a PhD.
Is it a self-pronounced term?
Does anyone call themself a Thought Leader? Or is it bestowed on them?
“I now pronounce you … Thought Leader!”
And … does it place me in the “smartest person in the room” category? (We all know how that ends.)
And what was I “thought leading” on? It can’t be everything!
To be a Thought Leader, I must have had a lot of thoughts to come up with the leading ones I had.
So, no, I’m not a “Thought Leader”.
There is a much better perspective.
One that is far less grandiose and way more practical: The Thought Facilitator!
What is a Thought Facilitator?
Firstly, it is a made-up term. I made it up. Because I’m a Thought Leader! (Oh wait, I just trashed that! 😬)
A Thought Facilitator helps generate ideas with, or from, others to improve a current situation and create a better future.
It’s way less pressure than being a Thought Leader.
As a Thought Leader, you may think everyone is looking to you for guidance, wisdom and truth. That’s a pretty big burden to bear. And, truth be told, I knew I wasn’t “all that”. Thought Leaders just filter the information and knowledge from others.
Thought Facilitators, on the other hand, are happy to not be the pinnacle of wisdom. They work on generating wisdom and truth from the group.
How to be a Thought Facilitator (and Identify Allies)
Thought Facilitators ask questions.
They seek to open up conversations with others. They are curious and want to explore topics more deeply. They want to reveal information that may be unspoken, assumed or hidden. This, in turn, generates better ideas, creates energy in the group and makes problem-solving way more productive (and fun!)
You’ll identify a Thought Facilitator when you hear phrases like …
“Yes, and …” — to build on what others have said.
“Have you considered…” — to bring a different perspective.
“I have an idea on that …” — to add value to the conversation.
“What do you think …” — to bring others into the conversation and learn from them.
Why be a Thought Facilitator?
If you choose this path, there are many benefits.
You are a person who lights fires of conversations. 🔥
The room brightens when others are able to shine! 💡
You are, in turn, brightened and energised by others. 💪
Thought Facilitators spark creativity and hope when all seems lost on the project. ⚡️
You learn from others and build your wealth of knowledge. 🎓
Thought facilitators are also great to have coffee with — physically or virtually. (long black, if you’re asking! 😉) ☕️
You lose the pressure of being the Thought Leader. 😮💨
Some Thought Leaders love the title and position, but rarely is it truly the case. Thought Leaders are more likely Thought Facilitators in disguise — sifting, condensing and summarising the thoughts of those around them.
Who can be a Thought Facilitator?
Anyone!
Business:
CEOs who are Thought Facilitators will bring people into the vision of the company.
Middle Managers can gain a clearer understanding of what is required and build a strategy to achieve it.
Staff ask questions to make sure they understand the mission and contribute their ideas.
Not business:
Ask what the family wants to do for the holidays
Facilitate a conversation with a friend who may be struggling.
Work on a project with a group to contribute and to learn.
Become a Thought Facilitator Today!
Start today. Any meeting of people. Anywhere. Anytime. In-person or virtual. Spark a conversation.
Don’t try to be the smartest person in the room … facilitate a smarter room!