Just being in the room isn’t enough

Some people can wing it.  Until the day they get found out.  The very best never turn up under-prepared.

Learning from the greats

My actor friend, Westy, shared with me an insight into his world. He works with very well-known actors of the stage and screen.

He told me that the greatest actors turn up to the read-through having memorised every single line of the script.  

Everything after the lines, he said, is their art, and their value-add.

Charisma carries you so far

Recently, I was invited to facilitate a working session for someone I admire very much. I suggested we invite a small team with a range of legal and business skills.

It became clear, quickly, that one of the invitees believed that simply being in the room was his contribution.

He added precisely nothing and his interjections were unhelpful, irrelevant and distracting. He could have added content, had he turned up prepared.

How to add value at the start of your career

Whether you’re a pupil, mini-pupil or new tenant, don’t expect that the senior person will carry the entire load.  

If you’re invited to attend a con, try to find a way to add value to that con. For example:

• Research all the legal points and write a summary. Ask your leader whether they would like to read it and don’t mind if she doesn’t have time.  
• Be helpful and deal with the logistics of the meeting. Check the room is tidy and stocked. Ask the client whether a phone charger or WiFi code would be helpful.

• Take notes. Write a summary of what happened and add a section for your thoughts, ideas and suggestions.  Be always accumulating knowledge, learning and experience.

Preparation is never wasted time

Preparation and planning is the foundation upon which a junior barrister’s career is built.

In Junior Entrepreneur, we explain how you can value to your client by saving her time, reducing her stress and delivering the outcome suitable for her circumstances.  

Start today and learn how to add more value than anyone else in the room.

By Heidi Smith
Creator of Jurilogical.com