...

Blog

Design Thinking Webinar This Week

On Wednesday December 15, 2021, I’m partnering with LMA’s Talent Development Committee for a webinar focused on #DesignThinkingLegal. We’ll briefly talk about what Design Thinking is, helpful mindsets when leading innovation projects, and how to apply Design Thinking to both internal and client-facing challenges. No cost to LMA members. If you are looking for a model for innovation, or just tips on change leadership, please join us. Details here: Click here for more information
Continue Reading →

Five things leaders need to do as people return to the office

Slowly, ever so slowly, lawyers and staff are making their way back to the office.  While we all look forward to returning to normal, the normal we left in early 2020 remains elusive.  Many of those who are returning, at least part-time in the office, are experiencing empty hallways, masked co-workers, and a massive volume of work.  For those who are leading teams (such as executive committees, practice and industry groups, client teams, administrative departments, and f
Continue Reading →

Summer Reading List – 2021

Every summer I publish a reading list of leadership and management related books that I think my clients would enjoy. I use many of these books in my training, consulting and coaching. Others are books that have been recommended to me, or are of interest to me. Happy reading! Leadership Spark:  How to Lead Yourself and Others to Greater SuccessAngie Morgan, Courtney Lynch, Sean Lynch, Frederick Smith Extreme Ownership:  How US Navy Seals Lead and WinJocko Willink, Leif Babin Dare to Lead: Brave
Continue Reading →

Leadership and Management Training for New Partners

While many professional development programs were put on pause during the pandemic, some firms moved ahead with virtual academies for new partners.
Continue Reading →

Professional Development in the Pandemic – Results of the January 2021 Flash Survey

Leadership for Lawyers (USA) and Cote Consultants (UK) surveyed 50 professional service firms (83% were law firms) in the US, UK, EU and globally to find out how they are delivering professional development programs and what their plans are for 2021.
Continue Reading →

“In a Remote Environment, Talent Development is Fraught With Risks”

“Law Firms have proven that they can work remotely, but can they train and develop lawyers without creating inequities in their talent pools?” (American Lawyer Magazine, September 2020) Mark Beese, President of Leadership for Lawyers, was quoted in the September 2020 issue of “The American Lawyer”, on how firms need to focus on issues of equity and inclusion in their remote professionals development efforts. “The role of a leader is to create a culture and an enviro
Continue Reading →

Professional Development Activities Restrained Significantly During Covid Crisis

We crunched the numbers, and the results of our June 2020 Flash Survey on Professional Development Activities during the Covid Crisis are in. Key findings are summarized below. You can download the complete report here:
Continue Reading →

Podcast: Strengthening Your Firm Leadership Through Feedback and Strategic Process Design

Hosts Chase Williams and Ryan Klein interviews Mark about leadership development in law firms and legal departments.  Listen to the podcast here. 
Continue Reading →

Podcast: 12 Productivity Tips When Working from Home

Scott Love of Attorney Search Group interviewed me last week on how to make the shift to effectively work at home. He has a great series of podcasts that you can listen to here. The direct link to “12 Productivity Tips” can be found here.
Continue Reading →