Blog Entry Archetypes: Thought Leadership Entry
Last, but certainly not least, in the Blog Entry universe is the second most popular entry archetype, the Thought Leadership Entry.
- Summary
The Thought Leadership Entry is by far the most complex entry type in the blogging ecosystem. Although common in the academic circles, a significant number of individuals, from all walks of life, have come forward with some very interesting material.
The endeavor to spawn “original” thought is not only difficult but also risky. Authors are often required to do a great deal of research and also open themselves to review and ridicule from a relatively anonymous medium. Fortunately, this format is less subjected to the emotional rants often generated by the Opinion Entry.
Perhaps magnifying the role of comments and external feedback, the Thought Leadership Entry is designed specifically to induce thought and response.
The key difference between the Thought Leadership Entry and the Opinion Entry is the assertion. Opinion Entries tend to be shorter and more pointed at specifics whereas Thought Leadership Entries generally cast a wider net and introduce ideas and concepts to the audience.
Thought Leaders understand that failing to develop their arguments only serves to debunk their effort, and, quite possibly, the ideas themselves.
- Format
The Thought Leadership Entry tends to be the most structured, both stylistically and syntactically. These entries generally cultivate a large body of thought, and often solid research, into a more digestible format. Thought Leaders will generally make use of section headers, sub-sections, tables, diagrams, and documented sources for data and assumptions.
Content-wise, the Thought Leadership Entry tends to tell the most well-defined story as well. Careful time and consideration is devoted to providing significant background, context, and justification for the assertions made.
- Effort
As might be expected, Though Leadership is a complex and time-intensive task. The pursuit of true Thought Leadership extends far beyond the actual entry. Thought Leadership does not happen instantly and requires time to develop.
First and foremost, the most effective thought leaders invest a tremendous amount of time towards the establishment and development of their Thought Reputation. This Though Reputation is a mass of public and private opinions relating to the author. Despite various levels of academic credentials, acceptance by ones peers is critical in the spread and expansion of Thought Leadership Entries. As they say, information is only as good as the source.
Beyond this reputation, there is also the current body of work being developed. While building their reputation, the author is also accumulating and analyzing information that will eventually be presented for consideration. Too little effort will work against the author.
Naturally, Thought Leadership is most difficult since it requires elaborate thought to begin with. Often enough, the novelty of the idea is critical to its success.
- Deployment
The original, mostly academic roots of blogging have provided a fertile ground for the growth of Though Leader entries. Recently, it was found that as many as 26% of blog entries utilized this archetype. This number may expand in smaller circles, but decrease overall as more and more unique communities evolve in the blogosphere.
- Examples
The following posts show a couple of examples of the Thought Leadership Entry: