In speaking with other colleagues who coach lawyers I have discovered a disturbing trend. Keep in mind, I am not talking about “hard facts,” rather some very general observations. Many of us have noticed a tendency for women to cancel their coaching appointments more frequently than men. When they cancel they say, “I am too busy, let’s reschedule.” I probed further to the coaches. We casually agreed that these cancellations seem to result in fewer coaching sessions overall and slower business development momentum across those we coach.
As a passionate advocate of lawyers of both genders achieving success in whatever way each person defines it, I am concerned when individuals miss strategic conversations that can propel their careers ahead. As much as many (most?) lawyers would prefer to avoid engaging in business development activities in favor of substantive work, particularly in today’s economy, business development is a must!
There are many ways you can integrate business development efforts into your life. The key is knowing what you are willing to do, scheduling the activities and doing them regularly and effectively. Coaching is a great tool to help you devise a plan, generate traction and, over time, make it rain.
Women lawyers (and men as well) know what you can say “yes” to and, as a famous shoe maker says, “Just do it” no matter what!