It seems like I need to clarify last week’s post on not sharing too much in the workplace.
I am not saying that you should be robotic, and that you shouldn’t share with your friends in the office.
What I was trying to explain is that you need to be judicious in your sharing — not giving too much detail where it’s detail none of us would want to hear – like your pus-filled infection. And, to be careful especially around those you do not know well – clients for instance.
The distinction after the jump.
Now, I have clients I have dealt with for many years. We have shared each others’ personal and professional ups and downs – promotions, deaths of family members, etc. These are people who because of our longstanding relationship, we may talk in more detail. But, if you do not know someone well — whether these are your colleagues or clients — then you need to be judicious in your sharing. I don’t think this should be controversial. It is just showing some common sense and asking for some discretion.
Can you be yourself in BigLaw?
Well, yes, I think you can — remembering, of course, that these are professional environments.
So, if yourself means wearing flip flops during the work day and appearing generally unkempt, well, I would tell yourself that maybe you want a more casual working environment.
But, personality-wise, if you are usually clever and funny, I see no problem with that – and I assume you wouldn’t start a random stand up act in the midst of intense negotiations.
The best rainmakers are typically dynamic, charming, outgoing, and most of all, inspire confidence in their clients.
Clients go to them because they TRUST these lawyers. So, while it’s ok to be whoever you are – bubbly, funny, quirky (yes, I know plenty of people who sit in dark offices and even one guy who wore sunglasses all day), just remember you want to inspire trust in your colleagues and others. This can only help you in the long run.
If you’ve been reading my blog and my posts here on Law Shucks, you know that I focus not just on your current workplace, but on the long term — on building your network and reputation — and the potential implications down the road.
There’s people I can think of who I trust — when they say they will get something to me — even something as simple as someone’s contact information – they come through quickly and always get the follow up down.
There’s other people who will promise the world and not come through.
The performers are the people I would recommend to others, and I would hire in the future. The others, not.
Remember, the impressions you make today – with people inside and outside your organization — affect your future choices.
Why not do the best you can to build your reputation and inspire trust in ways that open up more opportunities down the road? You never know when you will run into someone again – so do be yourself, and of course, establish relationships with your co-workers.
My advice was simply to avoid over-sharing and to be judicious where you may not know someone well.
If this non-radical advice makes me a “vampire” (or would I be vampiress?) then you best run home to momma as Big Law or really any professional workplace isn’t for you.
I’m keeping it straight, folks, just stating what many others are thinking.
Make an impression through your smarts, your dedication, and sure, your charm.
Don’t “impress” in the wrong way with poor judgment.
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