Want to know how to be a knowledge leader? Leaders often receive their first promotion due to excelling in knowledge or their skills. However, knowledge leadership, in particular, is actually one of the most effective sources of power that influences others, especially in business.

The main reason why knowledge leaders are so influential is that they can solve problems much faster than others. These particular individuals can:

  • Recognise issues fast
  • Prioritise which problems are most important to the business
  • Quickly identify why the problem has occurred
  • Provide a list of fact-based pros and cons to help select the best solution

Working to improve the business

Ultimately, the defining characteristic of a knowledge leader is how they use their knowledge to help the team or entire business achieve their goals. Unlike knowledge leaders, many people often become unproductive due to the way they acquire and handle their information because they haven’t channelled the knowledge towards a clear goal. 

Additionally, in business, budgets and deadlines often provide a framework that prevents creative people from overthinking. So, being goal-directed about knowledge is vital so that knowledge leaders can spend their time:

  • Acquiring more knowledge by reading books, papers and articles.
  • Processing information by making notes, diagrams and holding informal discussions.
  • Sharing knowledge by holding discussions, producing written works like papers and books and creating new procedures and methodologies.

If you wish to be more of a leader, you should ask yourself, what are your goals for your knowledge leadership? By doing so, you can direct your goals to focus on knowledge acquisition, usage and application. All three of these areas include informal discussions, which are key to the development of business and where knowledge can easily be shared. Knowledge Leaders are always communicating with people who have information and knowledge to share.

If you’re looking to become more of a knowledge leader, speak with ActionCOACH today to let us help you find your inner knowledge leader.