Are You a Thought Facilitator?

The magic of how to build a team, make progress and succeed!

Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash

There’s a lot of currency placed on the term “Thought Leader.” It’s almost become a qualification. Like an MBA. Or a PhD.

Is it a self-pronounced term? Does anyone call someone else a Thought Leader before they do?

“My name is Leader, Thought Leader!”

It also places the title holder in the “smartest person in the room” category! And we all know how that ends up.

And what are they thought leading on? It can’t be everything!

I also think, to be a Thought Leader, you have had to have had a lot of thoughts to come up with the leading ones you have.

So, no, I don’t think much of the term “Thought Leader”.

There is a better term to use and one that is far less grandiose but way more practical: The Thought Facilitator!

What is a Thought Facilitator?

Firstly, it is a made up term. I made it up. Because I’m a Thought Leader! (Oh wait, I just trashed that! 😬)

A Thought Facilitator is someone who helps to generate ideas with, or from, others.

It is far less pressure, if nothing else, than being a Thought Leader.

As a Thought Leader, everyone is looking to you for guidance, wisdom and truth. That’s a pretty big burden to bear. And, truth be told, they know they’re not all that. Thought Leaders just filter the information and knowledge from others.

Thought Facilitators, on the other hand, are happy to not being the pinnacle of wisdom. They work on generating wisdom and truth from the group.

How to be a Thought Facilitator (and Identify Allies)

Thought Facilitators ask questions.

They seek to open up conversations with others to explore topics more deeply to reveal information that may be unspoken, assumed or hidden. This in turn generates better ideas, creates energy in the group and makes problem solving way more fun!

You’ll know you’re around a Thought Facilitator when you hear phrases like …

“Yes, and …” — to build on what others have said.
“Have you considered…” — to bring a different perspective.
“I have an idea on that …” — to add what they know to add value to the conversation.
“What do you think …” — to bring others into the conversation and learn from them.

Why be a Thought Facilitator?

If you choose this path, there are many benefits.

You are a person who lights fires of conversations.
You brighten a room with your inclusiveness of others.
You are, in turn, brightened and energised by other Thought Facilitators.
Thought Facilitators spark creativity and hope when all seems lost on the project.
You learn from others and build your own wealth of knowledge.
Thought facilitators are also great to have coffee with — physically or virtually. (long black, if you’re asking! 😉)
You lose the pressure of being the Thought Leader.

Some Thought Leaders love the title and position, but rarely is it truly the case. Thought Leaders may be Thought Facilitators in disguise — sifting, condensing and summarising the thoughts of those around them. Unfortunately they don’t reap the same benefits as Thought Facilitators.

Become a Thought Facilitator Today!

Start today. Any meeting of people. Anywhere. Anytime. In person or virtual. Spark a conversation.