08 Nov A Career in Law – Understanding the why behind what we do
For better or worse, we live in a culture obsessed with fame and fortune – one where we assume the people who have the most money or status are the happiest. However, your employees desire to be part of something that is bigger than they are. Compensation, motivation and productivity are all tightly linked together in.
The events below serve to illustrate this point:
In 1961 John F. Kennedy was visiting NASA headquarters for the first time. While touring the facility, he introduced himself to a cleaner, who was mopping the floor, and asked him what he did at NASA. The janitor replied, “I’m helping put a man on the moon!”
Christopher Wren (an English architect) walked unrecognized among the men who were building St. Paul’s cathedral in London (which he designed). ”What are you doing?” he asked one of the workmen. The man replied, “I am cutting a piece of stone.” He put the same question to another man, who replied “I am earning five shillings a day.” To a third man he asked the same question. The man answered, “I am helping Sir Christopher Wren build a beautiful cathedral.”
The cleaner got it. He understood the vision, and his part in it – he had purpose. In the same way, the third worker had vision also. He could see beyond the cutting of the stone, beyond the earning of his daily wage, to the creation of a work of art – a great cathedral.
We see demonstrated, from the recollection of these past events, the main ingredients of employee happiness – what’s your part, how will you be compensated, and what is the corporate vision.
So, in summary, three of the key tenets in employee happiness are:
> Clear Direction – Understanding the corporate vision
> Alignment – Knowing your part
> Motivation – Understanding how you will be compensated
The delivery of legal services is a complex process. It requires a team of skilled professionals to provide a quality and cost-effective service. As a result, there are dozens of career options encompassing a diverse range of skills, experience and education. Recent developments in technology are also creating new opportunities within the legal profession. In order for your firm to run smoothly, and productively a wide range of skills are required – from partner, senior associate, lawyer, legal executive, secretaries, juniors and even cleaners. No matter how large or small their role, they are contributing to the larger story unfolding within your life, your career and your practice. When your entire team embraces that type of attitude and belief system, incredible things start to happen.