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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, a book written by Stephen R. Covey, has been one of the most influential self-help books for professionals. These habits not only apply to personal development but can also be applied to the professional sphere. This is especially true for professional service providers, such as lawyers, who can use these habits to improve their careers and provide better services to their clients.
In this article, we will take a look at the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and peer into each part of this winning formula.
Be Proactive
Being proactive means taking responsibility for your own life and career. As a lawyer, being proactive means taking initiative and not waiting for someone else to solve a problem. Lawyers are trained problem solvers and their ability to harness this skill can create value for many of the people in their lives both personally and professionally. Focusing on this habit, can help lawyers become more efficient, confident, and focused on their goals.
Begin with the End in Mind
Beginning with the end in mind means setting goals and having a clear vision of what you want to achieve. Having an outcome in mind when starting a matter or project for a client or team member can make all the difference. For lawyers, this habit supports the setting of realistic and achievable goals, creating a strategic plan, and prioritizing their work to achieve their objectives.
Put First Things First
Putting first things first means prioritizing important tasks over others. As a lawyer, there are many pending tasks that we must take responsibility for on a regular basis. Mastering this habit can help lawyers avoid distractions, manage their time more effectively, and focus on the most critical work that needs to be done.
Think Win-Win
Thinking win-win means finding solutions that benefit all parties involved. As opposed to any conversation, transaction, or litigation is an argument that someone must win and someone must lose, what if there was a way to create a win-win? When a lawyer can master this habit, they can help build better relationships with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders. Lawyers who apply this habit can create a unique and distinct value for others.
Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
Seeking first to understand, then to be understood means listening actively to other people's perspectives and being empathetic to their needs. This often involves asking questions and putting oneself in the other's shoes. This habit can help lawyers build better relationships with clients, understand their client's needs and concerns, and provide better services that are tailored to their client's needs.
Synergize
Synergizing means working in a collaborative and creative way to achieve a common goal. As opposed to operating in a silo, taking the time to embrace diverse perspectives and identify synergies can transform the delivery of legal services. This habit can help lawyers build better relationships with colleagues, work more effectively as a team, and create innovative solutions to complex legal problems.
Sharpen the Saw
Sharpening the saw means investing in personal and professional development. While most time is focused on the billable hour, taking the time to improve interpersonal and intrapersonal skills can be very valuable. This habit can truly impact the life of a lawyer.
Applying these habits in the life of a professional service provider such as a lawyer can make a significant difference in their career and personal life. By being proactive, setting goals, prioritizing tasks, building better relationships, collaborating with colleagues, and investing in personal and professional development, lawyers can provide better services to their clients, build meaningful relationships with their clients and colleague, achieve their goals, and have better work-life balance. Applying these habits can help lawyers to become highly effective professionals who make a difference in their clients' lives.