You're at odds with your colleagues on thought leadership strategy. How do you find common ground?

Listening to a college when in a period of disagreement can be helpful to pull the big "so, what" from their perspective. In a room of my colleagues, there is bound to be an agenda (not in a negative way) because you don't scale the ladder in competitive organizations without being intentional. I'd look for some place of agreement and go from there. I've found that even in the .most contentious of disagreements, if I am able to find a slither of unity, it enables room for a further discussion at a later point. Once I fully understand what it is the colleague thinks is important, I am able to figure out how my desire can connect with theirs and hopefully work together.

Don't jump in with your own ideas right away. Let everyone share their thoughts and perspectives. Really listen to understand where they're coming from, even if you disagree. Instead of immediately pitching your strategy, ask questions like, "What are we hoping to achieve with this thought leadership effort?" and "What are your biggest concerns about our current approach?" This shows you're genuinely interested in their input.

Make sure everyone is on the same page. What are the specific goals of your thought leadership strategy? Are you aiming for brand awareness, lead generation, industry influence, or something else? "I think it's important that we all agree on what success looks like. Do we want to be seen as thought leaders in our specific niche, or do we want to appeal to a broader audience? This will impact the content we create and the platforms we use."

Embracing the unique strengths of each colleague can greatly augment your thought leadership strategy. Identify and acknowledge these diverse talents, allocating roles that align with each team member's abilities and interests. This approach not only optimizes your strategy but also cultivates a sense of ownership and collaboration within the team. By ensuring that everyone's contributions are clear and valued, you boost collective morale and maximize the impact of your thought leadership efforts.

Recognize everyone's unique talents and experiences. Instead of seeing differences as obstacles, see them as opportunities for a more diverse and compelling strategy. "We have a great team with different strengths. [Colleague A] is amazing at writing compelling content, while [Colleague B] excels at building relationships on social media. Let's leverage those strengths to create a really strong approach."

Propose a compromise that integrates different perspectives and goals. Start by clearly articulating your viewpoint and understanding theirs through active listening and respectful dialogue. Identify areas of overlap or shared objectives that both parties can agree upon. Propose a middle ground or hybrid approach that incorporates elements from each perspective, aiming to achieve a balanced strategy that benefits the team or organization as a whole. Be open to adjusting your initial ideas based on feedback and be willing to collaborate to find innovative solutions that align with common goals. This approach not only resolves immediate conflicts but also promotes teamwork and collective decision-making for long-term success.

Be willing to bend. Don't be afraid to suggest a compromise that incorporates elements from everyone's ideas. This shows you're open to collaboration and willing to find a solution that works for the whole team. "I see the value in both of our approaches. Maybe we can start with a pilot project combining [Colleague A's strategy] with [Colleague B's strategy] and see how it performs."

Don't be afraid to experiment. Try different approaches and measure the results. This allows you to learn from your mistakes and refine your strategy over time. "Let's test out a few different types of content on LinkedIn and see what resonates best with our audience. We can then focus on the strategies that are working best and adjust our approach accordingly."

A) Regular reflection on the progress of your thought leadership efforts. Schedule time for reviewing and reflecting on strategies. B) Ensure that your strategy remains dynamic and responsive. Regular evaluations keep your approach adaptable and effective. C) Reinforce the collaborative nature of your approach through continuous learning. Collaborative reflection promotes ongoing improvement and alignment.

Thought leadership is often new and different, challenging established norms. It’s not always about finding common ground immediately but sometimes about timing. Recognize that people are not always ready to embrace new ideas. Assess whether introducing your thought today will help or harm the situation. Sometimes, it's better to wait for the right moment when the audience is more receptive. Patience and strategic timing can ensure your innovative ideas are more effectively received and implemented.