One of the outcomes of the availability of news 24/7 and of the almost innumerable varieties of vehicles carrying news and other content is that we have become a nation communicating in catch-phrases and news-speak.  Some of the phrases are very impressive: I think 'Thought Leadership' falls into the impressive category.  It has such a nice ring to it.  Who doesn't like a leader? And who doesn't like having thoughts?  

Personally, I prefer the term 'guru', which conjures up (in my mind) an image of a wise, experienced, and somewhat unusual individual with in-depth knowledge of a subject and an uncanny way of making others feel fortunate to be in his (or her) presence. Not only does a guru know things, he has a talent for making those things interesting - dare I say fascinating - and for creating a community of followers who are totally and completely enthralled by him and his knowledge. Think Forrest Gump running across the United States being followed (literally) by an ever-growing crowd of people running a respectful distance behind him, waiting for him to utter a word - any word - to enlighten and amaze.   

A guru is inspired and inspirational, unconventional, controversial, and sometimes misunderstood. A guru is unpredictable, insightful, perceptive and thoughtful.

And what of thought leadership? In my musing state of mind, thought leadership seems to be business-speak that focuses on content only without addressing the 'persona'.  Aspiring to become a thought leader is good - perhaps even very good - but aspiring to be a guru is somehow more challenging and therefore much more satisfyingly wonderful when attained.  Forrest Gump aside, perhaps we should aspire to be the best of both a thought leader and a guru by following two simple guidelines: Focus on learning all we can about a topic of interest to us, and share knowledge on the topic. Pretty impressive... and potentially inspirational.