Have you ever noticed that the most influential thought leaders don’t just share opinions – they create unique frameworks that transform how we think?

Consider Simon Sinek and ‘Start with Why’ – Brené Brown’s ‘Dare to Lead’ – or Tim Ferriss’ ‘Four Hour Workweek’.

After working with thousands of speakers and thought leaders, I’ve found that real authority isn’t about academic credentials or complicated ideas.

It’s about translating your experience and insights into a practical roadmap that other people can easily understand and apply.

Here’s my step-by-step guide to creating your framework as a thought leader:

Step 1: Mine Your Experience for Patterns

True thought leadership begins with pattern recognition.

Take a week to document the recurring challenges you help clients solve. Look for the patterns that connect seemingly different situations. What solutions do you apply instinctively that others miss? How do most people assume it must be done – versus what you know really works?

One of my clients, a sales director, realized she used the same five-question sequence in every successful negotiation. This pattern became the foundation for her signature “Tension Point Method” that her clients now pay a premium to access.

Action step: Identify three patterns in how you consistently solve problems for your clients or colleagues.

Step 2: Create Your Unique Framework

Frameworks make complex ideas digestible and – crucially – attributable only to you.

Think of your framework like a roadmap. What are the key parts of the journey that every successful traveller needs to master or consider? What are the core levers they need to pull to get the outcome they want?

The best frameworks follow a simple structure:

• A memorable name (aim for 5 words or fewer)
• A clear sequence (3-5 steps in the journey)
• A simple visual (diagram, matrix, or pyramid)

Consider Brené Brown’s ‘Dare to Lead’ framework, outlining the four essential skills for effective and courageous leadership: embracing vulnerability, living into your values, braving trust and learning to rise.

Action step: Draft your framework with a working title and the 3-5 key steps that ensure a powerful outcome.

Step 3: Test Through Application

Your framework shouldn’t be based on theory.

The most well-known and respected thought leaders gain credibility through having road-tested their ideas in the real world.

Apply your framework to at least three different clients or scenarios, documenting the results and refining your approach. The goal isn’t perfection here – but iteration – each application should make your framework more robust.

Action step: Implement your framework with one willing client or colleague this week, then capture what worked and what needs refinement.

Step 4: Package for Sharing

For your framework to really make an impact, it must be easy to share and packaged in a way that looks and sounds professional.

For this step, you need three versions of your framework:

• An infographic for presentations and social media
• A 500-word explanation for articles or newsletters
• A 30-second soundbite for pitches or conversations

Action step: Create a simple and professionally branded infographic of your framework, ensuring it includes your name and a clear title.

Step 5: Launch in Your Network

The final step transforms your framework from an idea into an authority building machine – by teaching others to use it.

This could be through a workshop, a LinkedIn article, or even a short video demonstrating how your framework solves a specific problem. The key is showing the framework in action with solid examples, not just explaining it conceptually.

Remember, don’t be afraid of feedback during this part of the process. The goal here is to stress test and build discussion around your ideas.

Action step: Choose one channel to launch your framework, focusing on how it solves a specific problem for your target audience.

The Authority Advantage

When you become known for an expert framework, three things happen:

First, your ideas become instantly recognizable as yours – even when shared by others.

Second, you shift from competing on credentials to owning a unique method that only you can deliver. The result? More opportunities, higher fees.

Finally, you create what I call ‘gravitational pull’ – enabling other people to easily discuss and share your work in a way that rapidly builds your credibility.

What framework could you build as a recognised expert?