How do you overcome knowledge gaps when engaging thought leaders?

I certainly encourage to go with a thorough homework recognising first what is that we want from the thought leaders (TLs). The wisdom of TLs is an ocean. We want to get the best and most beneficial advocacy (or guidance or thought-kindling tips) from the interactions with them. Better we make sure we go back with valuable takeaways that we can put to use and get benefited in our focus areas. A prepared mind gets the best always!

Couldn’t agree more! Having a knowledge gap here is totally ok if the whole point is to learn and potentially share in filling gaps even. Show you’ve done some of your own due diligence and be thoughtful of the purpose and intention as well as whether or not there may be a mutual benefit. Many times the benefit for the thought leader is helping others fill the gaps. The key is being purposeful, clear, and thoughtful.

Agree with Jeff. One process I add at the end of my conversation. I ask the leader what are three things they are focusing on. This activity allows me to get straight answers, and also read their responses to better understand the human impact IQ through the process.

LinkedIn AI tool is a brilliant way to connect with thought leaders if you feel struck by initiating a conversation. Meaningful goals need effective communication to connect and collaborate.

Thoroughly researching their work to understand their perspectives and expertise is a great first step. Also prepare thoughtful questions that bridge your knowledge gaps and demonstrate genuine interest.

Research is key. Show me you know me. Honestly most people don’t do this step and it shows so don’t take it for granted! Being able to know more about the thought leader also helps you better connect with what you’re hoping to achieve, what they might gain, and will heighten the likelihood that they will engage.

Correction: “Thought leader” should be “leaders” -> there is more than 1 expert in a field and more than 1 opinion. You would never conduct research to a sample size of 1. Also - questions can be asked even if obvious, as what’s obvious to 1 is not obvious to another. Stop worrying about ego, LinkedIn. One of the best qualities in a future leader is vulnerability. Open up and ask any questions - even the obvious.

I agree with Jasmeet and Swetha. Humility and Curiosity are the top most essential characteristics of a seeker (of knowledge or enlightenment or anything). Thought Leaders (TLs) are like springs of sweet water (wisdom, experience, expertise). When we go there to fill our cup (mind), we better ensure it’s empty and free from arrogance, prejudice, judgment, skepticism and other unworthy fillers. Unless we bend down, we can’t fill our vessel in the river. Be curious to know more, knowing that what you know is minuscule. The interactions with TLs will then be so rewarding.

Every thought leader has a glorious learning history. They are the ones who would have surely led their life differently from everyone else in the stack. We should explore and be curious about that key “difference”. This could be in areas of how they planned their learning cycles a few years ago, what are the resources that they refer to, how do they “not” waste their time, and what are the key drivers of their life. This curiosity about their history will help a lot of people link to their own past and their current lives and may bring about a change in the thought process. Thought leaders are not made in a day and there is no silver bullet. So the curiosity to understand what’s under the hoods will decide future thought leaders.

Being curious is very important. That, combined with active listening, will allow you to ask better questions, which will lead to an insightful discussion. This will help you learn more fill those knowledge gaps.

Additionally, seek opportunities for one-on-one discussions or attend their seminars and workshops. Collaborating on projects or joining relevant networks can foster ongoing learning and help close those gaps over time.

It‘s always important to point out the benefit an interaction or relationship might provide for both sides. With this comes the importance to find out, what is considered as valuable benefit or motivation to engage into that relationship: Will you help spreading the ideas of the OL/TL or increase his/her visibility? Will you provide them with new ideas, thoughts or positions they consider very fruitful? Will you help them to get their plans and projects ahead? Find out what the OL/TL considers a valuable benefit, why should he/she invest time into interactions, and then make clear, that you can offer this. But only if you really can! Be honest, don’t promise what you know you can’t keep. Make the OL/TL want the interaction with you!