Key Steps to Effective Leadership and Delegation

At the recent LMASE RISE event in Charleston, I was given the distinct privilege of presenting alongside two of my incredible legal marketing colleagues - Katie Holcombe, Director of Marketing at Trenam Law and Leeann Lee, Director of Marketing Operations & Systems at BakerHostetler.

Our discussion focused around three key themes for legal marketing professionals stepping into leadership roles: transitioning into leadership, delegation strategies and techniques and managing different personalities.

Transitioning Into Leadership

When most professionals step into leadership roles, they have been promoted or hired based on proficiency in their current roles and because they have earned the trust of those around them. These promotions often come with increased strategic responsibility and even the responsibility of managing direct reports. With no formal management or leadership training - many of these professionals learn that the job is not what they expected and they have a lot to learn. A few key takeaways include:

  • It is more about the people than the tasks - managing people will start taking much of your time

  • Delegation is not dumping - you are empowering others and placing your trust in them

  • Your behavior sets the tone - and others are always watching to see how you react and conduct yourself

  • You can't please everyone

Delegation Strategies

Delegating across large teams and across departments presents many challenges for new leaders. It is important for them to keep in mind:

  • You can't do it all

  • You need to start small and build trust

  • Match projects to experience and not to titles for the best chance at success

  • Clearly define objectives, responsibilities and deadlines

Managing Personalities

Managing personalities can often take up most of your time as a leader. Some key tips for handling this responsibility include:

  • Establish credibility with your team

  • Reliability earns you influence, even without authority

  • Communicate with clarity and respect

  • Give credit generously

  • Model collaboration and lead by example

I had a great time presenting this information to the attendees at RISE and hearing the other fantastic presenters. It was a wonderful day of learning and elevating our leadership skills!

Culture, Legal MarketingSociety 54Leadership, Law firm leader