Gedankenführung

Gedankenführung is a German term that literally means guiding or leading thoughts. It is used in different German-speaking contexts to describe the act of directing how people think, or how individuals direct their own thinking. The expression combines Gedanken (thoughts) and Führung (guidance or leadership).

In psychology and education, Gedankenführung refers to techniques for shaping cognitive processes, such as cognitive restructuring, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and mindfulness-based approaches aimed at reducing maladaptive rumination and promoting adaptive thinking. It can also describe self-guided mental strategies to regulate attention, appraisal, and emotional responses.

In management, media, and public discourse, Gedankenführung is used to describe thought leadership—an attempt by individuals or institutions to influence trends, generate new ideas, and establish authority in a field. Practically this can involve publishing analyses, giving talks, and shaping policy debates.

In political contexts, the term can refer to attempts at shaping public opinion or thought through propaganda or ideological messaging, and is often discussed in debates about freedom of thought and autonomy. The concept thus carries different connotations depending on the setting, ranging from constructive guidance of thinking to concerns about manipulation or coercion.