I have a friend who works at a firm.
She tells me that in one evaluation, there was a notation that she didn’t really seem “connected” or “invested” in the firm or her department.
My friend says she really isn’t interested in attending various meetings and in seeming very “rah rah” regarding the firm. She can bill time, but she just wants to do that and leave.
I understand my friend, but she’s not playing this right.
Yes, in firms, of course you want to bill your time. That is of critical importance. But you also at least want to give yourself the appearance of a team player — even if you are thinking of leaving the team.
Until the day you walk out of your workplace, it does help to be pleasant and at least pretend you are interested in all the various initiatives.
Someone is having a meeting to discuss or teach business development — go. Bring a notepad, take notes and look interested.
Someone asks if you will help with the XYZ “pitch.” Say sure, and assist.
Another person asks you to join ABC committee — in most instances, do it - unless you will be overwhelmed.
I know many a “company man” or “company woman” who may not be the biggest rainmaker in the firm but who have established and maintained a career path because they were known as solid firm citizens who were loyal to organization and who could always be counted on.
And then there’s people who moved on, but they were able to do so because they had fabulous recommendations from people they’ve worked with — people who remember John or Marie as at least seeming to be so diligent and connected to the organization.
Turning next to a related item — being pleasant in the workplace.
It is kind of odd that I need to go over this one, but there are some nasty people out there.
I can think of more than one or two toxic folks I’ve come across.
These are people who complain constantly, make a big deal about everything, malign co-workers and staff, and send nasty emails. Maybe giant rainmakers can get away with some of this. For the rest of the gang, this quickly gets around. People don’t want to work for you, or with you — because they know no good can come for it, you will blame them to CYA or just criticize them because you are overly critical. People eventually try to avoid you.
And heavens forbid down the line you are applying for new position and someone at new place knows someone at (or formerly at) old place and they ask about Mr. or Ms. Critical. People will say a-hole faster than you can say “Tiger’s back.”
Thus, even if you dislike several (many? all?) of your colleague, smile.
Be pleasant — yes, pretend if you have to. Seem interested in what they do and their daily trials and tribulations. It won’t kill you.
If someone does a great job for me (let’s say a staff person), I will thank them by email or phone and I will send a note to their supervisor. This helps them of course, but — this goes back to looking out for YOU — when I need something done in the future, they most likely get my task done first and well because they remember how they were treated.
And this has, for many years, been my mantra when it comes to management: people work best when they feel they and their efforts are appreciated. People will go above and beyond if they like who they are working for. A simple lesson, but an important one.
So, start the day with a “good morning.”
Invited to an all office “bagel breakfast” — show up and engage in pleasant chats.
Get involved – even if you don’t want to — or at least appear to be engaged.
Dumb administrative meetings — show up. Offer some ideas.
Someone needs to track down the information — offer to do it — especially if you know it will be easy.
You can create a perception that you are invested even if your resume is flying across the information superhighway to new potential employers.
Be present, be positive and at least appear involved.
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{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
And be in a position to take clients with you when you leave. There’s only one way to control your own destiny – build your own book of portable business. This is especially important for women lawyers who at last count were makking 60 cents on the male lawyers dollar. Read Ending the Gauntlet before making any legal career move ladies!
And be in a position to take clients with you when you leave. There’s only one way to control your own destiny – build your own book of portable business. This is especially important for women lawyers who at last count were makking 60 cents on the male lawyers dollar. Read Ending the Gauntlet before making any legal career move ladies!
How does one position oneself to take clients when you leave?
If you're asking that, I'm assuming that even if we told you, you wouldn't be able to do so.
if you built your own book of business and hold your clients' trust, they will go with you when you leave (of course, there are firms, such as my old one, who liked to threaten to sue partners who left if they tried to take clients or associates).
That’s silly and catty. He’s probably just a law student who wants guidance, as am I.
yeah, the diarist and I seem to disagree on this one (and I won't speak for HP, and it's her column). i think client development is a teachable skill, it just requires a lot of uncomfortable work if that's not your personality. i'll ask HP if this is something she wants to write about.
No, I think we agree to an extent. Client development can be taught, but the question was how to take clients with you when you leave and I think that should come naturally. It's like, how to make sure you can get partner references when you leave your firm. You build a relationship with people so that they like you and will vouch for you. I think this is the same for a client. If you do good work and you've earned their trust and respect, they are really hiring you and not your firm that they would want to go with you when you leave.
If your doctor leaves his practice to open up his own, and you have a good relationship with him, then you would probably follow him, no? you like him or at least think he's skilled/competent/thorough, and you respect him. I think this same applies to when you're the service provider at a firm wanting your clients to follow you.
I also think you were pretty harsh. I'm an 0L incredibly interested in the career that I am about to begin investing in, and this is a question that I would ask. The whole practice surrounding law is entirely new to me, and this is a question I might ask. I don't know yet that I will never be able tot develop clients and bring them with me, since that's probably half a decade away.
Beside the fact that there's no need to get carried away with the inaccessibility of the art that you are showing us(It's like how jazz artists used to describe soul, except that was more glamorous), I tend to find your articles on the whole very enjoyable. I especially enjoyed your story about Annie(I think), and the benefits of volunteering. Thank you.
I also think you were pretty harsh. I'm an 0L incredibly interested in the career that I am about to begin investing in, and this is a question that I would ask. The whole practice surrounding law is entirely new to me, and this is a question I might ask. I don't know yet that I will never be able tot develop clients and bring them with me, since that's probably half a decade away.
Beside the fact that there's no need to get carried away with the inaccessibility of the art that you are showing us(It's like how jazz artists used to describe soul, except that was more glamorous), I tend to find your articles on the whole very enjoyable. I especially enjoyed your story about Annie(I think), and the benefits of volunteering. Thank you.
How does one position oneself to take clients when you leave?
If you're asking that, I'm assuming that even if we told you, you wouldn't be able to do so.
if you built your own book of business and hold your clients' trust, they will go with you when you leave (of course, there are firms, such as my old one, who liked to threaten to sue partners who left if they tried to take clients or associates).
That’s silly and catty. He’s probably just a law student who wants guidance, as am I.
yeah, the diarist and I seem to disagree on this one (and I won't speak for HP, and it's her column). i think client development is a teachable skill, it just requires a lot of uncomfortable work if that's not your personality. i'll ask HP if this is something she wants to write about.
No, I think we agree to an extent. Client development can be taught, but the question was how to take clients with you when you leave and I think that should come naturally. It's like, how to make sure you can get partner references when you leave your firm. You build a relationship with people so that they like you and will vouch for you. I think this is the same for a client. If you do good work and you've earned their trust and respect, they are really hiring you and not your firm that they would want to go with you when you leave.
If your doctor leaves his practice to open up his own, and you have a good relationship with him, then you would probably follow him, no? you like him or at least think he's skilled/competent/thorough, and you respect him. I think this same applies to when you're the service provider at a firm wanting your clients to follow you.
I also think you were pretty harsh. I'm an 0L incredibly interested in the career that I am about to begin investing in, and this is a question that I would ask. The whole practice surrounding law is entirely new to me, and this is a question I might ask. I don't know yet that I will never be able tot develop clients and bring them with me, since that's probably half a decade away.
Beside the fact that there's no need to get carried away with the inaccessibility of the art that you are showing us(It's like how jazz artists used to describe soul, except that was more glamorous), I tend to find your articles on the whole very enjoyable. I especially enjoyed your story about Annie(I think), and the benefits of volunteering. Thank you.
I also think you were pretty harsh. I'm an 0L incredibly interested in the career that I am about to begin investing in, and this is a question that I would ask. The whole practice surrounding law is entirely new to me, and this is a question I might ask. I don't know yet that I will never be able tot develop clients and bring them with me, since that's probably half a decade away.
Beside the fact that there's no need to get carried away with the inaccessibility of the art that you are showing us(It's like how jazz artists used to describe soul, except that was more glamorous), I tend to find your articles on the whole very enjoyable. I especially enjoyed your story about Annie(I think), and the benefits of volunteering. Thank you.