Brand, Business & Leadership
Denise Crawford MBA, Academic Team Leader and Course Leader (Management Programmes) at Nottingham Law School casts her eye over "Juggling the Big 3 for Lawyers: Brand, Business & Leadership" by Jennifer Overhaus.
An excellent developmental guide for associates with or without partner aspirations, tackling the key skills and attributes so often ignored at this stage in a lawyer's career. At long last with Jennifer's insight and practical experience emerges a recognition that high intellect and technical skills are a given, whilst the true differentiating factors in what is essentially a ‘people business' are the softer skills required to build and nurture relationships - both internally and externally - and most importantly in developing a level of self awareness and self belief which will ultimately lead to well developed emotional as well as intellectual intelligence.
The book provides a sound practical focus with the style of writing conducive to retaining the interest of the reader, which together with the practical exercises and the Big 3 Tool Kit make it much more than a mere ‘book'. The subject matter is comprehensive but not daunting and really does address the key issues which will give the young lawyer the opportunity to gain a competitive edge. The book is clearly tackled from the perspective of a ‘mentor' with a wealth of personal experience who is willing to share in order to assist in the development of others.
Asking lawyers to step outside of their technical comfort zone and focus on ‘soft' issues hitherto often ignored is in itself challenging but essential for the continuing development of the profession and those within it. Those exploring the book's content are urged to do so with an open and enquiring mind.
The focus on issues of brand, business and leadership are spot on and encouraging the reader to understand what makes both themselves and others ‘tick' is, in my view, at the heart of any successful ‘people business'. The chapters flow well from exploring behaviours, motivation and people skills to personal development and insight right through to relationship building, business development and leadership. No stone is left unturned! Jennifer's interest in and knowledge of the impact of behaviours on business and business relationships is clear to see from the outset and if the messages are taken on board self awareness, insight and personal development for the reader can only emerge as a result.
A final word of warning from Jennifer - and one which I would endorse - is that with self knowledge and insight, may also come the recognition that a change in career direction might be appropriate. If this thought emerges during the course of reading the book, I would urge the reader to retain an open mind, stay in the question and consider the strength of any new insights prior to acting. Remember that personal insight is a powerful tool and its potential impact on yourself and those around you should not be underestimated.
Juggling the Big 3 is a book which I would recommend for any lawyer wishing to prepare for a leadership role either within or even outside of the legal profession.
Denise Crawford MBA
Academic Team Leader
Course Leader - Management Programmes
Nottingham Law School
Created on: 20-Nov-09 11:48
© theHRDirector.com
