Leadership is often defined as a title. “The Leadership has decided….” The word gets thrown around as a noun, a verb, and an adjective. More books have been written about leadership than any other subject, yet we find ourselves in a shortfall of leadership skills in our workforce. How does this happen?
Leadership is a process. Not a landing point. I suggest that the very best leaders are continually learning and growing, knowing that there isn’t a moment when they “arrive”, only moments where they apply knowledge to improve themselves, others, their firm, etc.
A process. Just like project management. Or process improvement. Leaders set the focus, develop the direction, and this is only the beginning. Randall Dunham and John Pierce first identified the Leadership Process in their book, “Managing“. Their model includes essential component of Leader, Follower, and Context which determine the outcomes. The intersection of these three elements is a process unto itself, and studying how your firm weights these areas will give you a starting point in your leadership development.
Leadership is a process. What are you processing today? We have many suggested resources in our library, and, after you read a little, stop and apply the learning. Create your own leadership process. The world needs you. The legal industry is looking for you.
About Judy Hissong
Judy Hissong is the President of Nesso Strategies. A former law firm Chief Operating Officer, she helps firms become more profitable by developing leaders. Her mission is “world domination for Good.” By creating actionable, lightbulb moments that leaders want to share and spread, she intends to improve the world one person at a time.
