How to make your boss a thought leader

Of all the duties charged to communicators, from diversity to sustainability, thought leadership is among the most vexing and worthwhile.

More than ever, employees, customers and the general public expect your organization’s top executives to be front-and-center on important topics, not just in your own industry but on the social issues of the day.

It’s not automatic. CEOs and other leaders, including your subject matter experts, come in all shapes, sizes ― and temperaments. Most of the ones I’ve encountered are smart and thoughtful, but that doesn’t make them natural communicators or instant video influencers. That, as we like to say, is where you come in. Here are five ways you can help:

1. Start small, with what you know best. Your leader’s first foray into thought leadership doesn’t have to be a Ted Talk on the state of civilization. Begin with what you know in your own shop. If you’ve developed a good company culture, for example, tell us how you did it. (By the way, everyone wants to hear this in the age of hybrid work.)