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In-House Legal Tip: Problem Solve Always
In-House Performance: Become an in-house problem solver
2 minutes • 23 Nov 23
“The best in-house counsel are invariably considered the enablers and the problem solvers. Whilst not everyone problem can be solved – most can if you adopt a problem-solving mindset.” - Matthew Glynn (Managing Director, GLS Group)
A valuable North Star against which you can reliably navigate your in-house career is being a problem solver.
An in-house lawyer who develops keen problem-solving skills will forever be in high demand. Here's why:
- Strategic Edge: problem solvers graduate from being just lawyers, to corporate enablers
- Smooth Sailing: they eliminate issues before they arise wherever possible
- Dynamic Collaborators: problem solvers enjoy collaborative relationships with the Business.
- Business Fusion: legal strategies are intertwined with corporate goals
- Culture Catalyst: problem solvers by their very nature propagate a “can do” attitude.
- Client-Centricity: the problem solver is always seen as a client enabler and welcomed as such.
- Value Creator: fixing problems has always been considered a corporate asset.
Not every problem can be fixed, but every problem can be mitigated.
Conducting your practice as an in-house lawyer through the lens of “problem-solving” is a must.
At the end of the day your client wants you to make it happen (eg the deal) or go away (the problem).
So, become known as a dedicated problem solver in the context of your organization.
If you want more in-house legal team performance and career insights – please do join the GLS Legal Operations Community for free right here https://www.gls-legaloperations.com/join-now
Observations & Tips:
- Problem solving is a key career North Star for in-house lawyers
- View your role through a problem solving lens
- Not all problems can be solved, but most can be managed
- Problem solving requires strong collaboration with your Business
- Problem solving in-house counsel get a “seat at the table”
- Problem solving has always been considered a corporate asset
- A problem solving outlook is a discipline - it takes work to acquire
- Do you know anyone that does not like someone who can make problems go away?
