The Dance of Leadership

ALA News February/March 2007 alainsights For many years, I’ve regularly taken and given dance lessons. Aside from enjoying dancing’s physical benefits – including that endorphin surge after about 20 minutes of moving to the beat – I find it exhilarating to work in synchronization with a partner or other members of a group. Consider how many times you’ve taken on a new project. Did you begin by following someone else’s lead? Did you gain skill and confidence and, eventually, assume a leadership role? Training new leaders begins very early in our relationships at work and within the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA). After all, today’s follower can easily become tomorrow’s leader. Have you considered challenging yourself to be a leader – in your firm or legal department and within ALA? This dance is worth learning! The Basic Step The engine that powers the dancing train is the basic step, which varies with the dance’s style and rhythm. As a leader, you must decisively take the first, basic step to participate in a new project, to attend a meeting or conference, or to initiate an agenda item, in order to lead the way toward a goal. Without a commitment to this first step, you could find yourself seemingly suspended in time, afraid to proceed. By decisively communicating your direction, people will know what’s expected and be able to take action as well. During my career, I’ve learned that decisiveness can work in my favor. For example, in its early years, my firm lacked an effective mentoring program. If you had asked the partners about mentoring, they likely would have said, “We tried that and it didn’t work,” and the firm’s seasoned attorneys dreaded requests to take on mentoring roles. I was aware of the problem, but initially I felt powerless to do anything about it. So, when I had the opportunity to attend a session on mentoring during an ALA Annual Conference, I jumped at the chance to learn more. The session ultimately provided all the tools I needed, and after the Conference I helped to develop my firm’s mentoring program, which has since become an important part of the firm’s culture. Sharing the knowledge I gained at that Conference made me an integral part of the management team and changed a firm failure into a success. My decisiveness also paid off last year when I pursued the Certified Legal Manager (CLMSM) designation. I told several people about it, and some were surprised that I spoke so freely about my plans. After all, what if I failed the exam? By verbalizing my decision, however, I affirmed to myself that the process of studying for the test was even more valuable than whether or not I actually passed it. Following The Beat In dancing, the beat determines how fast or slow the steps will be taken, and the style of dance determines how many steps will be taken to the beat. During my year as President of ALA’s Valley of the Sun Chapter, I felt like a metronome as I routinely reminded colleagues of approaching deadlines. As a leader, you’ll find that followers often move at their own paces and with a variety of expectations regarding how projects should be handled. A good leader ensures that everyone knows what’s expected of them and what tasks are their responsibilities. Both leaders and followers must realize that, in working for a volunteer organization such has ALA, “volunteering” is still a commitment, and responsibility comes with commitment. As leaders in ALA, we’re fortunate to have a safe environment in which to practice leadership skills. Our peers want us to succeed and, even when the results are not perfect, people know the effort is often for the good of the person, the Chapter, or the Association. FORMING The Frame When couples dance, the leader forms a frame that guides the follower through the dance. This frame, however, while firm, is still flexible. It’s a vital and dynamic part of the dance because the desired direction can change quickly. Such flexibility is also a key feature of leadership. Circumstances sometimes dictate that something different must be done to maneuver through a situation and exhibit nimble leadership. For instance, if the speaker for your big event doesn’t show up, a bit of flexibility and creativity – such as finding an audience member who could give a short, extemporaneous speech – can go a long way. Your ability to frame the experience, to remain flexible, and to foster creativity are critical characteristics of good leadership. Back Leading Back leading occurs when the designated leader is not a strong dancer. The couple seems to be moving around the floor just like everyone else, but the follower is actually leading. Professional dancers would never consider using this technique, but it’s a common practice in the social dance scene. Have you ever felt that a group of followers was actually leading? At times, it seems as if people and projects take on lives of their own. In the movie Wag the Dog, the spin doctors fabricate a war in order to cover up a presidential scandal. Similar to “wagging the dog,” the lead in a dance may be “fabricated” by using the back leading technique. During the past 36 years, ALA has amassed a wealth of intelligent, experienced members who are capable of helping others who have taken the challenge of leadership, but still need help to reach their goals. It’s a delicate balance for an experienced leader, but when executed brilliantly, back leading allows maximum participation and seamless leadership. HITTING THE FLOOR Once the basics are in place and you know where you’re going, the music starts and you naturally begin to dance. You don’t even have to think about it; you just hear the beat and you’re on your way. Similarly, as soon as you feel confident that you’re able to lead, you take the reins, and you know you have a following. Everyone is taking your lead and moving toward a mutual goal, and the leader’s job to ensure that everyone involved looks good. As a leader, you must stay focused on the mission, build a community of support, trust that everyone will remain committed to the goals, and concentrate on service to others. Peak performance by all involved requires trust, confidence, and constant communication. All must have clear expectations of their roles, understand what their partners are trying to achieve, and be accountable for the effort’s success or failure. But remember: Many a great idea or solution to a problem has emerged as the result of a perceived “failure.” The only people who never fail are those who don’t try. The fruit of dancing is harmonious leadership – and it’s well worth the effort. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Joyce Patrick-Bai, CLM, is Director of Administration at Schmeiser, Olsen & Watts LLP in Mesa, Arizona, and a member of ALA’s Board of Directors. Contact her at jbai@iplawusa.com. need a loan fast with bad credit bad credit personal loans for