4 Ways to Measure Your Progress Toward Thought Leadership
Calling yourself a thought leader doesn’t count.
Don’t call yourself a “thought leader.”This recognition must be earned and ascribed by others. It can take years of work to reach the tipping point. But, if thought leadership is your aspiration, here are four practical ways to measure your progress toward this goal:
1: AWARENESS
Are you growing greater awareness of your work and contribution over time? Track how many more people are aware of you/your work this year compared to last.
2: INQUIRIES
Is there an increase in the number of requests you’re receiving month after month? An upward trend is an effective indicator you’re building momentum.
3: MONEY
Has your professional stature grown in a way that allows you to maintain the status quo by working less and charging more than your competitors?
4: RECOGNITION
Are your inner desires (intrinsic motivators) satisfied? Those who want to be known and publicly recognized as thought leaders often have deeply personal reasons for desiring the label that aren’t measured in fame and fortune.
If thought leadership is your desired path and you enjoy the work, reviewing these measures of progress toward the ultimate goal and seeing an upward trend each year might be all the encouragement you need to keep at it.
