Two weeks ago, I was in Washington, D.C. for the Women, Influence & Power in Law conference, put on by our sister publication, Corporate Counsel magazine and the ALM Global Newsroom. I’m pleased to say the information gleaned from the event was valuable and actionable. The conference also provided several opportunities for networking with women from various locations and points in their careers, from new entrants to more senior women at the pinnacle of the profession.
One theme throughout the conference was: “What advice would you give your younger self?” In my case, I’d tell myself to plan my career changes a little better. As a military spouse who moved 10 times in 23 years, I didn’t organize my job searches very well, and at the time, remote work for lawyers wasn’t much of an option. But I did make the most of the travel opportunities available wherever we moved, and I’d certainly do that again!
The discussions that came up last week are reflective of the kinds of discussions we’re seeing on the ALM Young Professionals Network on LinkedIn. According to a recent survey of the group’s members, regardless of background or gender, they’re eager for information about career development, navigating office politics, negotiating skills (especially when it comes to compensation), and understanding the businesses they’re working in or with.
Another topic that came up repeatedly was the lack of “life skills” among many younger lawyers, primarily those who are more accustomed to electronic communication than actual face-to-face conversations. One partner commented that she works with a young associate who sends her emails instead of walking the short distance between their offices to have an in-person discussion. The partner was concerned that the associate was missing the opportunity to develop a better working relationship.
Many women also commented that they were reluctant to bring some younger lawyers into client meetings, substantive case discussions or lunch outside the office, which is a concern.
Our lives are far less formal these days. Children and young adults may not have many opportunities to sit down to dinner with strangers and make polite social conversation. As military brats, my daughters learned early on about occasions to which “you are invited and will attend.” They also learned about interacting with military officers in informal as well as formal settings — a skill you have to develop when your family lives on base, and your father’s commanding officer lives two blocks away. Now, as adults, they find their background to be an asset in their careers. But, one daughter told me that her department has a junior person who is no longer included in social events with clients because she doesn’t have the necessary skills.
Senior professionals can’t assume any more that new employees can be placed into social situations without some coaching. So, how do we do that? Is it a matter of providing etiquette classes, as some companies are doing?
I’ve occasionally mentioned to younger employees before they go to a conference or other event that professional attire is required. I also introduce younger writers to more senior people at events and provide them with a sentence or two that gets a conversation started.
How do you encourage your junior employees to develop life skills? Send me a note with your thoughts, and I’ll share some of them in a future column.
And that’s what is top of mind for me this month.
See also: