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Pamela DeNeuve

Lawyer & Law Firm Peak Performance Strategist

Why Lawyers Hide Their Weaknesses

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There is a dichotomy in the legal profession. Here is what I noticed. Lawyers recoil when one of their colleagues admits that they have a weakness.

Bud, a partner, admitted, “I am deeply depressed and probably drinking too much.”

The stench that statement makes in a law firm is palpable.

Whispers and gossip circulate, “Bud’s not hacking it.”

But, let one of their members commit suicide or have a complete breakdown due to depression, alcoholism, addiction, then everyone rallies in group meetings, insisting that things must change.

The Mask

On a day-to-day basis, it is expected that lawyers wear his or her mask.  We are not talking about a mask for COVID. This is a mandatory mask of “I am invincible.”  There is no allowance, no compassion, or sympathy for weakness unless the lawyer is in a crisis.

It is as if the humanness or weakness is too much for other mask wearers to bear.

Why?  Maybe it reflects their own inadequacies or demons.  It is easier to scorn, belittle, or detest anyone who takes off their mask.

By the time a firm or the lawyers realize that a member is in a critical situation, suffering, and needing support, it is usually too late.

Benefits of Acknowledging Weaknesses

The culture of law firms wants attorneys to gloss over weaknesses. I say that this is old school and needs to be passé. We are living in a day and time where you must assess your weaknesses. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!

It is essential to make time to identify and list your skills and long-term objectives.  You want to figure out where you want to go. One way to do this is by conducting a SWOT analysis.

Make A SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis is a planning technique.  You assess your: a) strengths, b) weaknesses, c) opportunities, and d) threats.  You want to be honest with yourself and clearly define each SWOT component. Also, try to consider how you can capitalize on your strengths to focus on improving your weaknesses.  This tool will help you to identify and evaluate:

 a) Strengths – These are things you are good at and excel at.

b) Weaknesses – Things that are difficult or disadvantages you have.

c) Opportunities – The access that you have to resources or support.

d) Threats – Things outside of your control that impede your progress.

Think of your strengths and weaknesses, opportunities, and threats as equal. Each one of these can help you become the best you. This information will give you clarity and bring you closer to your overall career aspirations.

Honesty

Remember, you must be honest with yourself and clearly define each SWOT component. Also, try to consider how you can capitalize on your strengths. Also, you can work to develop your weaknesses.

You will have a good sense of what are your next steps. It is never too early or too late to set goals and take steps toward their achievement.

Email me at pamela@pameladeneuve.com

Please put “30 Minutes” in the subject line and we can schedule to discuss how to overcome the challenges we are facing right now.

#lawyer #lawfirm #solicitor #attorney

 

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