All of the nuance we’re facing can be exhausting. We look for black-and-white answers, but there aren’t any. How can we build our nuance muscle?
Why does so much thought leadership feel flat right now? Because we’re tired of “pathological certainty.” Instead of trying to serve up answers, maybe it’s time to think more publicly about the questions.
People don’t want perfect “content.” They want help making decisions. They want to know what you’re thinking. Don’t get hung up on perfection — that’s not what your audience wants anyway.
Are you there? Make sure your customers know that you are — and tell them what you’re working on, what you’re thinking about, and what conversations you want to keep going.
Every time you send a tweet, write an email, or plan a message, remember: What’s the context of the people you’re trying to reach? Honoring our shared context is the only way to start.
How can thought leaders use their voices to drive change? Being anti-racist means taking risks. If you really want to use your voice to create change, you have to start taking risks and speaking boldly.
I used to treasure the “margins” in my day. I carved out time alone to think and brainstorm. I needed a lot of headspace. That’s not a reality I can achieve during the pandemic, but I’m getting better at finding the space for creative thinking and deep work, even if it’s in fits and starts.
Thought leadership is about thinking in public. I’m inspired by beacons, curators, and challengers who are thinking in public and showing their work.
Not feeling very creative right now? You’re not alone. But sometimes, creative constraints can actually be useful. No budget? No team? No time? How could you find inspiration (not desolation!) from those limits?
Right now, our universes have both contracted and expanded. Who are we listening to? And who needs to hear from us?
