From A Lawyer To A Leader
I frequently encounter powerful attorneys at client law firms who inquire about transitioning from being "a great lawyer" to stepping into becoming an effective leader.
I believe that developing into a leader who inspires and drives success involves several discrete action steps:
Creating a clear vision,
Mastering effective communication,
Building inner confidence and seeing ourselves as others see us.
See our earlier blog: Stepping Into the Light of How Others Perceive You.
By emulating respected leaders, honing your communication skills, and continuously developing your self-confidence, you can transition from being a lawyer to emerging as a leader with a significant impact in the professional sphere.
Let’s examine these three action steps in greater detail.
Creating a Clear Vision
Creating and believing in the vision you have for yourself in the professional world is a direct result of how you show up every day. To build this vision:
Reflect on Leaders You Admire: Consider figures like Oprah Winfrey, Mother Teresa, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Michelle Obama. Think about the qualities you admire in these leaders and why. Although I am naming famous people here, I also think about personal leaders I have admired in my lifetime. My mother is one, and my aunt, and a boss at one of my early jobs.
Identify Your Traits: "Identify the qualities you have in common with these leaders and those you want to cultivate.”
Reflect on Your Leadership Moments: Reflect on times you felt proud of your leadership and times you wish you could have handled things differently. Consider how you would approach those situations today. Yes, this is a bit of Monday morning quarterbacking, but this time it can be powerful as we reflect on the positive things we have done and the not-so-great times we have led without thought, wishing we could have done things differently.
I believe that great leaders bring out the best in others.
Communicating as a Leader
Effective leadership relies on strong communication, which involves not only talking but also listening, understanding, and connecting. Consider what makes someone's communication effective or powerful, and think about how you can adopt these qualities.
Practice Active Listening:
Give full attention to the speaker.
Clear your mind of distractions and judgments.
Avoid interrupting with your own thoughts.
Use positive body language and rephrase what you’ve heard.
Ask open-ended questions.
2. Be Aware Of Body Language:
Maintain eye contact, even in virtual meetings.
Be mindful of your body language and nonverbal cues. This is relevant in speaking as well as listening.
Remember that nonverbal communication can greatly impact the message you are trying to convey or the message you are receiving.
See Harvard Business Review, September 2018 on “How to Get Better at Reading People From Different Cultures”
Building Inner Confidence
Building confidence as a leader is a gradual process. It starts with small steps and a positive attitude. Fostering inner confidence involves consistently working on your vision and believing in your potential. I’m a big believer in acknowledging daily successes and I always begin each client call I do by sharing successes.
I suggest maintaining a Success Journal for you to document your achievements and positive experiences. This practice can help reinforce your self-belief and provide tangible evidence of your capabilities. It is also a wonderful boost to go and read from this journal when you are not having a powerful leading day and your self-confidence is low.
Remember: Great leaders bring out the best in others. Keep striving to become the leader you aspire to be. You will soon see how you can transform not only your career but also the lives of those around you.
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