Lawyers as Leaders - Leading Women Lawyers

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Lawyers as Leaders

Are you a leader?

I recently attended a truly inspirational Talkleadership event at Covent Garden in London. The speakers ranged from Dame Stella Rimington (ex head of M15) to Major General Patrick Cordingley (who commanded 12,000 troops during first Gulf War).

Leadership and how to do it well has always fascinated me. In my working life I have experienced people who were brilliant at it and those that were not!! A command and control style of leadership is still very much in evidence in the legal world. However the world is changing and it is becoming increasingly important to win hearts and minds.

But do you think of yourself as a leader? (You do not need a formal “leader badge” to be one). Being a leader enables you to stand out from the crowd and get noticed. Influencing and persuading are skills that you use on a daily basis with clients and colleagues. Advocacy is all about having that all important “presence”.

“Before you can lead others you have to be able to lead yourself”

Action points

1. Brainstorm the characteristics of good leaders

2. Write down all the existing skills and strengths you have

3. Compare your list with your leadership list. What do you need to improve, develop or do differently?

4. Finally create an action plan to take your leadership skills to the next level.

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Until next time and best wishes

Jane Wintringham

Leading Women Lawyers, Develop4choice, 20 Thornfield Road, West Park, Leeds LS16 5AR, United Kingdom
Tel 0113 305 3604 | Email: info@leadingwomenlawyers.co.uk