Significant Career Lesson From A Partner At A Big Law Firm
Mindy, a partner at an AmLaw 200 firm, learned that despite being naturally extroverted, effective teamwork and client service require "listening a lot more than [one] talked" and drawing out quieter team members to ensure everyone feels "heard" and contributes valuable insights. This shift in approach, prioritizing inclusive collaboration over dominating conversations, significantly improved team performance and fostered a stronger sense of unity.
Communication, Teamwork, Leadership, Active Listening, Mentorship
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Mindy Morton
Partner
Amlaw 200 law firm
UC Berkeley
Yale Law School, J.D.
Political Science, American Studies
Law
Legal
Honors Student
Video Highlights
1. Effective teamwork involves active listening and drawing out less extroverted team members to foster inclusivity and maximize team potential.
2. Being heard is as crucial as being included; ensuring every team member feels valued contributes to optimal team performance.
3. Even extroverts can benefit from practicing active listening to facilitate effective collaboration and better serve clients.
Transcript
What is one lesson you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
I'm a very extroverted person. I like to talk and I love being in groups.
One thing I learned, around my third or fourth year, was that even though that's who I am, to be effective for my clients and to be a good team player, I needed to listen a lot more than I talked. I also needed to draw out my team members who weren't as extroverted.
They have really valuable things to contribute, but if I'm talking and taking up all the oxygen in the room, they can't do that. So, I make a point of having an introduction and then making sure that everyone is actually heard and that they feel heard.
Sometimes, the feeling heard part is even more important. You want everyone to feel included on your team, so that your team is running at its best level. This helps people on your team feel part of something bigger than themselves.