Welcome back to Behind the Scenes with our esteemed Advisory Board at Ready Set GC, where we open the treasure trove of resources that drive our journey towards empowerment and success. Among the questions we frequently receive is what books we read, what podcasts we listen to, and how we stay abreast of developments in our industry and on the legal front. We're thrilled to share this curated collection with the RSGC community.
Tailoring Your Toolkit: Universals for Success in the GC Role
In the quest for knowledge and informed leadership, one’s industry may dictate specific challenges and nuances and the need to identify specific resources. However, certain principles remain steadfast across all sectors, contributing to success in the GC role. Let’s explore these essential and the resources recommended by our Advisory Board to excel in the legal landscape.”
1. Leadership Essentials: Whether navigating corporate corridors or courtroom battles, effective leadership is paramount. Resources like Dare to Lead by Brené Brown and The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins provide invaluable strategies for honing leadership acumen and driving organizational success.
2. Mastering Communication: In a profession defined by precision and persuasion, adept communication skills are non-negotiable. Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg offers practical insights for fostering clarity and influence in every interaction.
3. Leveraging and Understanding Emotional Intelligence: This is a concept often talked about with women but can be difficult to understand in practice. Travis Bradbury’s Emotional Intelligence Habits teaches that EQ can be acquired by understanding what’s at stake and provides actionable steps to enhance executive presence and self-awareness.
4. Strategic Acumen: As stewards of legal strategy, GCs must possess a keen understanding of organizational objectives and industry dynamics. Building an Outstanding Legal Team by Bjarne Tellman and Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck equip leaders with the strategic mindset necessary for navigating complex legal landscapes.
5. Mission and Culture Alignment: Beyond legal expertise, GCs play a pivotal role in shaping organizational culture and advancing core missions. Now Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman underscores the importance of aligning individual strengths with organizational goals, while Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain highlights the value of diversity and inclusivity in fostering a vibrant workplace culture.
6. Self-Care and Well-being: To be effective in their roles, GCs must prioritize self-care and well-being. Balancing professional responsibilities with personal health is essential for sustained success. Discover how incorporating self-care practices enhances overall performance and resilience in the demanding legal field. One go-to resource is Yoga 365: Daily Wisdom for Life, On and Off the Mat for holistic well-being. Additionally, Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ podcast Wiser Than Me offers candid conversations with accomplished women in the arts who share insights on power and self-care ideology.
7. Empowerment Through Knowledge: As you embark on your GC journey, remember that empowerment comes from continuous learning. By leveraging a collection of newsletters and podcasts, you'll gain the tools to navigate any challenge with confidence. Stay ahead of the curve with these recommended by our Advisory Board:
· Legal Dive: In-depth articles and insights into news and trends impacting in-house counsel.
· WSJ Risk and Compliance Journal: Comprehensive coverage of legal risk management and compliance issues.
· ACC Executive News Summary: Executive-level insights into legal trends and best practices.
· MIT Technology Review: Thought-provoking analysis on emerging legal issues in the digital age.
· NPR Up First: Top news stories from NPR in just ten minutes.
· NPR How I Built This: Inspiration from the stories behind successful companies and entrepreneurs.
· How I Work: Strategies and routines of industry leaders to optimize productivity.
· Re-Thinking: Innovative approaches to legal practice and leadership.
As we unveil the resources that drive Ready Set GC’s Advisory Board, it’s clear that continuous learning and staying informed are fundamental to empowerment in the legal profession. With access to these invaluable tools and a supportive community, women GCs are poised to excel and make meaningful contributions to the legal community.
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