7 Steps To Becoming And Staying A Thought Leader

Apart from honing their top talent, guess what Atul Gawande and Richard Branson have in common? They have two vital and intertwined traits in this increasingly complex world where we are drowning in information. They’ve sharpened their ability to be quotable and to be deeply connected to notable people in worlds apart from the one in which they work. In so doing, they are likely to see trends early and be considered thought leaders on a broader stage, thus being able to attract more opportunities and secure support. Namely, it keeps them sought-after.

Here are seven specific behaviors that are vital if you want to stay relevant and become sought-after, especially for those of you who are involved in science in which both innovation and regulation are speeding up:

1. Become a connective listener
Be genuinely curious by asking follow-up questions that relate to what a person just said, rather than what interests you. Keeping the focus on the other person enables you to get closer to their underlying interests, better remember what they said, and be able to discuss the world their way.