The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/43128
Positioning Yourself as a Values- Based Leader Being a values-based leader requires action and courage. Take the initiative to create discussion and dialogue around a strategic idea or initiative, and ask how this supports the firm or organizational values. This is a great way to fill a void when no one else asks the values question. Lead the discussion and instill accountability and compliance with firm or organizational values. It does not mean you need to have all the answers or a complete plan in place when ideas are put forth. But it puts you in a position to serve as the catalyst to get the ball rolling in the specific direction of values-based tasks, projects and initiatives. Tell your management team what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. This honesty is important in holding your team true to the firm or organizational values. It takes confidence to be assertive in the face of potential disagreement or an uncomfortable situation, but it is necessary for effective values-based leadership. Engage and empower your employees to creatively find solutions. These may seem like overly used and ambiguous concepts in today's work environment, but it make sense that those employees who are connected to their positions, co-workers and firm are more satisfied, more productive and more willing to go above and beyond when needed. Spend time with your team to identify their personal strengths and style, those activities that are not natural to them, and how they and others shift when in conflict. While it is important to start with the individual, it is equally as important to share as a team. By doing so, the team has a better understanding of commonalities and differences and can identify where the collective approach will produce results. Explain how the small task each person does relates back to the bigger picture and helps to support your firm or organizational value system. Often, the expedient approach is to tell, teach or direct others how to do a task, without explaining the why. If we want everyone to walk to talk, we need to provide values context for what we expect. Finally, as the leader who has demonstrated the courage and the willingness to lead, you must demonstrate in your actions and words that you support the firm or organizational values. Don't leave it to others to figure out; explain how actions, projects and initiatives tie back to the firm's values. Leading with Values Challenge others to explain how their efforts or work fit into the firm or organizational values. Accountability in this regard can be a key to ensure there are clear expectations for upholding firm or organizational values, and that the stated values are not simply lofty dreams or aspirations. Legal Calendar and Docketing — Could it be that easy? Docket Enterprise provides a comprehensive calendar and docket solution that is ideally suited for both litigation and non-litigation practice areas. 56 www.iltanet.org Peer to Peer See just how easy it is. Contact