The Oath

As a thought leader, I commit to using my reach, influence, and expertise responsibly. I recognise that ideas shape professions, industries, and people’s lives. By taking this Oath, I enter a fellowship built on mutual trust and shared standards.

10 Rules of Thought Leadership

1. Consistency
   I will share ideas with regularity and coherence, avoiding sporadic bursts driven only by personal gain.

2. Elevating the Profession
   I will prioritise advancing the practice, discipline, or craft I represent above personal status or vanity.

3. Transparency in Promotion
   I will not disguise promotional content as neutral thought. If I promote, I will disclose clearly.

4. Moderation in Monetisation
   I will not excessively exploit my audience for financial gain at the cost of value and credibility.

5. Employer Transparency
   I will not excessively camouflage my employer’s mission or goals as personal opinion. Where relevant, I will disclose affiliations.

6. Independence of Voice
   I will balance my employer’s or sponsor’s interests with my own authentic perspective.

7. No Paid Manipulation
   I will not use paid boosts, bots, or artificial amplification to simulate influence.

8. Respectful Discourse
   I will avoid ad hominem attacks, outrage farming, or engagement tactics that degrade public conversation.

9. Evidence over Ego
   I will support my claims with reasoning, examples, or experience, not solely with personal brand authority.

10. Guardianship of Reach
    I recognise that reach is a privilege, not a right. I will use it responsibly to inform, inspire, and elevate, not mislead.

Accountability

The Oath does not carry legal authority. It represents a fellowship agreement based on mutual benefit and trust. The fellowship reserves the right to remove or suspend Oath credentials from those who repeatedly or seriously breach these principles.