Yesterday I met with my friend Andy who works for the firm that manages our finances. We meet regularly for updates and adjustments to strategy. One of the reason I look forward to these meetings is that Andy always has a very distinctive and interesting point of view. He is well informed but, more importantly, he has thought carefully about the information (which is available to all) to come up with conclusions that are specific to him.

The best leaders in any profession have a distinctive point of view. That doesn’t necessarily mean you agree with them, but it does mean that you know exactly what they think and why.

Not all points of view are created equally. They range from far-fetched and nutty to sound and wise. The best points of view are always based on two things: good information and good analysis.

That means a leader is limited by the information they receive and review and the analysis they apply.

Many simply aren’t willing to do the hard work to seek out the best information and/or make time for a penetrating analysis.

There are always many things on a leader’s “to do” list but his or her strategic necessities agenda should be relatively short, and developing a distinctive point of view should be on it.

What great leaders can you think of that had or have a distinctive point of view? And what did you learn from their perspective?

For more information and resources about developing and improving leadership in your organization, click here.

We’re told to think for ourselves. I’ve said it and encouraged it in my speeches and writing. It is essential to a life well lived.

It just isn’t that easy.

To begin with, we’re not often taught to think for ourselves. We’re taught to memorize what others have determined needs to be thought.

Ever take a critical thinking class? Probably not unless you were a philosophy major.

Oddly, if you want to think for yourself you’ll probably need to teach yourself. That is the art of the autodidact. (Here is a link to help you get started.)

What is involved in thinking for oneself? Observing, studying, reading, listening, analyzing, verifying, reflecting and forming an informed viewpoint. It isn’t an exhaustive list (although quite exhausting).

Any of the above mentioned skills could consume an entire class or course.

I share this not to discourage but to challenge you. One of the reason people don’t live well is that they don’t invest the time and effort necessary.

Thinking for yourself isn’t that easy, but with the right approach and effort it can and should be done.