Richard Branson and Steve Jobs were both dyslexic and other successful dyslexic businessmen include Ted Turner, founder of CNN, Henry Ford, of Ford Motor Company and Erin Brockovich, famous lawyer and activist. They all had huge success, despite their dyslexia. It would seem that being ‘perfect’ isn’t the criteria for huge success. If ‘perfection‘ isn’t the secret to success and happiness – what is? Success and happiness are individually defined, however, pursued by all. What practical tips can we learn from the success of others to improve and increase your own individual success and happiness?
- What if I suggest that lawyers need to stop being perfectionist driven, as it has nothing to do with success, what is your response?
- What if I suggest that lawyers and law firms need to be more innovative, to increase individual, cultural and business success and happiness, how do you feel?
- How do you feel when I suggest ways to make changes, for better outcomes, do you immediately dismiss or do you give it some thought with possible implementation?
Sadly, a big problem exists: getting people to do things differently for a better outcome is incredibly difficult, as change can’t be legislated, court ordered and even when threats are made, this won’t change people’s behaviour. People do what they feel like doing and unfortunately lawyers, generally, feel like doing what they did yesterday and the day before and the week before that.
Let me ask you some questions that would help you determine if you may possibly need to make changes:
- Do you run your practice/business the same as you did 20 [X] years ago?
- Do you treat your colleagues, seniors, juniors, opponents the same as you always have?
- Do you brief the same barristers, without thought?
- Do you feel comfortable with diversity in law?
- Do you make the same business development decisions – from time immemorial?
- Do you address any unhealthy culture issues?
- Do you make it easier for everyone to succeed?
- Or is everything status quo, daily, weekly and yearly, even when better outcomes can be guaranteed?
Lawyers’ often stubbornly refuse to countenance any sort of change, driven both by an inherent attachment to the status, status quo and by the comfortable livelihoods that many lawyers make and see no need to disturb any of these. I am really interested to know: is status quo, status and comfortable lifestyles the secret and measure of your success and happiness?
If you resist change, what is the cost to you personally, your success and happiness as well as professionally? How does it affect your business bottom line and your firms culture and law generally?
Simple Tweaks From Richard Branson
We all know Richard Branson isn’t a lawyer, however, his level of success and down to earth nature, is well documented. He is the only entrepreneur to have built 8 separate billion dollar companies in eight different industries, surely this alone is worthy of a more thorough look at his tips for greater business success and increase happiness:
- Don’t do it, if you don’t enjoy it
- You can’t run a business without taking risks
- The first impression is everything. So is the second.
- Perfection is unattainable
- Explore uncharted territory
- Seek a second opinion. Seek a third
- Cut ties without burning bridges
- Pick up the phone
- Fear shouldn’t be feared, it should be managed
- When it comes to making mistakes, bounce back, don’t fall down
- Be a leader, not a boss
Law firms seem to have become extremely low-trust workplaces. People change their behaviours when encouraged to do so by someone who has earned their friendship and trust. For friendship and trust to grow in a firm and between colleagues (including barristers) and opponents, this requires change by lawyers, law firms and barristers.
What change is required? Lawyers (and barristers) need to take enough time and care to talk with each other and build trust with each other. Such efforts, will ultimately change “the way we do things around here” and broadly change “law”. This will ultimately lead to increased opportunities for greater success and happiness, for you, your colleagues, opponents, anyone who is part of your professional life, and not least of all, improve your firm’s culture and bottom line.
I Offer Diverse Lunch & Learn Sessions
I run complimentary lunch and learn sessions to assist lawyers, on a wide range of legal and practical topics designed to provide practical and easy to implement strategies for solicitors who are looking for the edge in their legal practice.
The range of topics I present on, include:
- Build Know How and Confidence In IVF Matters
- At Last…The Secrets To Medical Documentation in PI and Med Neg Matters…Revealed!
- Reduce Risks…..Practice Ethically!
- Give me 1 hour and I’ll give you more expertise in Surrogacy
- What everyone ought to know about Mediation: Roles and Skills
The new title, is:
- The Truth About Emotional Intelligence; How It Can Catapult You to Greater Success & Happiness!
If you would like me to come and present, please email me at louise.mathias@sydneybarrister.net.au and we can organise a time to talk.