The "Me" File

Everyone should keep a “me” file.

What is a “me” file?

Well it is a place — either electronic or hard copy or both — where you keep things like articles and client alerts you have published, special training you’ve done, and importantly, notes of praise from clients, colleagues, and other third parties.

After the jump, HP goes into detail on what and why.





The nice thing about the “me” file is that you can basically quickly put things in there and then you have a central location for all the words and things that laud you and show your value to the firm/organization.  This advice goes beyond law firms – the me file can and should be kept by all.

You may be thinking, “isn’t this a little much…am I being a braggart?”

The answer is NO.

First of all, you are not taking the contents of the “me” file and scotch taping them on your office door.  The “me” file is mainly for you, as a source of reference if you need it.

For instance, do you have to do an end of year self-assessment?  Many of us do.

When it comes time, let’s say in December to do these, don’t we sometimes feel overwhelmed?

We want to point out the good things we’ve done and our value, but it is hard to share these things if we can’t remember them and we are facing 10 other deadlines.  Answer:  the “me” file. A quick flip through the 2010 “me” file at the end of 2010 should give you plenty of information.

Significantly, just like I wrote about last week in the “CYA” post, you will have backup and documentation.  So when you say, “I was able to secure prompt approvals so the client could close the XYZ matter,” go ahead and copy and paste the client’s email, that says “HP, thank you for your terrific work in getting XYZ approved so promptly and helping us complete this matter before year end.”  Seriously, I’ve done year-end self-evaluations, and I frequently cut and paste.  I mean, a client’s words speak for themselves.

Another way the “me” file can be used — and please pay attention here — is to protect you against negative reviews and feedback.

Let’s say, times are tough at ABC firm/company and perhaps you might be a target for a layoff.  Let’s say partner Amy puts in your evaluation an uncharacteristic notation that you were not as responsive as you could have been.

But let’s say you have an email from Amy — or even the client — thanking you for giving up a holiday weekend to take care of something.  Remember — just as I mentioned last week — do not take the fall if you don’t deserve it — have the backup to support your cause — and in the case of your career- the cause is YOU.

Hiring Partner has said this before and will say it again — well, I don’t think I made it up, but it is a good reminder.

The only one looking out for your career is YOU.  Not the partners/bosses you work for, not the practice group or department head, not even your nice mentor  - some may help you along the way though.

You need to promote yourself, stick up for yourself, CYA, and document all the great things that you do.

The “me” file can be both a sword and a shield.

And it’s so easy to keep.

Why not take the time to throw something in there that could protect or at least promote your job and career.  Your career and future should not take a backseat; nor should you expect that others will always recognize all that you do. Memories are short, especially when times are tough.

Treat “you” as a brand that must be protected and promoted throughout the year.