I wrote this in 2009 but am reminded of it today as I think about thought leaders. . . most people don’t realize that I think deep thoughts . .
When a thought leader writes something there are many who agree with them. There are likes and retweets and articles written about articles and “amen my friend’ or “spot on”. I can all most see the friendship and it is touching. It must be fun to write knowing that every time you do your friends will leave kind comments and write articles about your articles. Unconditional support makes us feel all warm inside.
Does innovation and creativity happen without friction? What do a group of like minded individuals accomplish by agreeing with each other and patting each other on the back? Here at the weenie I like to think of myself as the irritant and an instigator. I want to be the sand in the oyster that helps create the pearl. Here is the post I am recycling:
Don’t be Sheep
You don’t need my permission to have an opinion of your own. I guess I am writing this because it seems like the first people in our industry to express opinions on important issues are the people who sell products and services to us. They are outspoken and articulate, knowledgeable and well liked and when they write everyone reads. The discussion of the important topics of the day are viewed through a narrow lens and the big picture is missing.
Keep in mind as you are reading their most eloquently expressed opinions that their opinions often support their product or their coaching or consulting practice. The opinions are worth reading and they do have merit as long as we put them in the context of our own business goals.
It is easy to be a sheep and to follow the shepherds but real estate is still local and if you are an agent who has been in the business for awhile listen to your own experience chances are you have a better understanding of your business than some of the thought leaders do. Go one step further and picture them doing your job, even for a day. I don’t think they have to be able to do our jobs to give us advice but I think we need to filter the advice and put it in the context of our own experience and local businesses.
There is also some value in thinking outside of the box instead of following. Innovation and new ideas seem to come from the black sheep.