Lighten Up!
by
Dee Beardsley, PP, PLS
NALS President-Elect
I hear from legal professionals across the country that
one of their main concerns is remaining of value in a changing
environment where roles are being redefined almost daily. What
they used to do for their boss has changed; new skills
are required, new methods of communication to utilize,
new practice areas to learn as well as new rules, policies
and procedures as firms merge, are absorbed, or when our
attorneys strike out on their own.
Immediate
Past President Cathy Hankins, PP, PLS previously shared
that she realized it wasn’t what she had done for her boss
over the years, but rather what she had done for him lately
that mattered. So she started telling him each day
when he came in—before he asked—exactly what she had done
for him already that day. Anticipating needs and
asking “What can I help you accomplish today?” creates
the impression that you are proactively engaged in your
attorney’s practice and dedicated to helping him or her
succeed.
Those
same concerns translate to NALS. Whether you are
a new member or a seasoned member, you want to contribute,
be recognized and feel valued for the time and effort you
commit to the organization. But how can you
do that when you may have contact with your leaders only
periodically? Learn to lighten up or, as John
Maxwell, author of Leadership Wired, says “Be a Load Lifter!” Dr. Maxwell
shares these tips on how you can help your leader (or your
boss):
- Be sure to do your own job well before you concentrate
on lifting your leader’s load. If you drop your personal
responsibilities, you’ll drag your leader down rather
than propping them up.
- When you find a problem, provide a solution. If you
only identify what is broken, you look no different than
a complainer. Show initiative by repairing the problems
you encounter.
- Tell your leaders what they need to hear, not what
they want to hear. In the words of President Dwight Eisenhower:
“A bold heart is half the battle.” Have the courage to
speak your mind and confront difficult truths.
- Go the second mile. Be willing to arrive early, stay
late, and do more than your share of work.
- Stand up for your leader whenever you can. Don’t become
party to backbiting or criticism. Speak highly of your
leaders and diffuse the negativity others may show toward
them.
- Stand in for your leader whenever you can.
Maxwell says, “Being a load lifter has its benefits. It
demonstrates your dedication to the team, and displays
gratitude for your position on the team. In easing your
leader’s burden, you’ll be noticed and valued. At the same
time, you’ll be playing a substantial role in helping the
organization move forward.”
Help NALS move forward. Honor your commitment to this
year’s leadership team. Attend local, state, regional
and national meetings. Support your leaders by giving
them honest feedback. Suggest solutions to identified
problems. Lift the leadership load by asking, “What
can I do for NALS today?”
