Are you a thought leader?

It’s time for you to step up and get in.

All over the world, we are witnessing the total paralysis of companies, cities and countries. Turn back the clock to end December, we would never have guessed that the world is in the state it is today. This is due to an invisible predator called COVID-19.

All governments, all companies and all families navigate through uncharted waters. Every day, high-level government leaders ask: how will we run the country today? Families ask what we should do to protect, educate and feed ourselves and our families. Companies wonder how we can stay afloat when we are out of business.

It is a time of crisis in which people look to their leaders for guidance and direction; lead by example; to inspire and give hope.

But what happens when there is no top-down message of comfort and guidance, no words of encouragement, or no plan of action?

As a CEO, small business owner, parent, manager, educator, employee, you ARE a leader. The question is, are you going to wait for others to tell you what to do? Perhaps you are adopting a wait-and-see attitude? I applaud people seeking other opinions; however, opinions are just another form of information.

It’s easy to adopt a herd mentality. I say forget to follow the crowd. For those of you who hold leadership positions or run a small business, it’s time for you to become a thought leader – it’s time for you increase and He passed!

A thought leader is someone who offers guidance and insight to those around him.

If you’re looking for someone else to tell you how to run your business, you’re in big trouble. No one knows your business strategy, your customers, your staff, your industry, your business better than you.

You have a front row seat to witness everything that happens in your organization and industry, so take advantage of that knowledge.

When it comes to thought leadership, people often wonder if they have something worth saying that adds value to those around them. You may have had thoughts and ideas, but were afraid to express them for fear of what other people might think. My response to that is get out of your own way and start sharing.

Here are some things to consider to put you on the path of being a thought leader to those around you.

Read or watch the news about what is happening without emotion.

Hear or read about what’s happening internationally, your state, and not just your local community. You can often obtain information about what is likely to happen within your own country based on the actions of others. Ask yourself, what is the implication of this information for my business, my family, my community? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this information?

Think of your customers.

As a business owner, you must focus on your customers. Ask yourself, how can I serve my customers? What do you need right now? What’s happening in your industry and how you can change to suit your immediate needs.

It could be something as simple as providing an attentive ear.

Show empathy.

Now is not the time for hardcore direct selling. Unless you are selling a product that consumers or your customers need, cut back on direct selling. I am amazed at how many travel companies are still sending luxury resorts and vacation destinations to my inbox.

I’m not saying you should interrupt your marketing efforts; the heavens don’t do that. Just rethink what you are offering to the world with empathy and through the lens of your customers.

Being a thought leader may be new to you, but I know you can do it. You have thoughts and ideas that can be of great value to others. You will never know until you give those thoughts a voice, either verbally or in writing.

Now take a deep breath. Take another. Now step forward and take on your leadership role.