From Lawyer to Coach
There were many aspects of my work as a Lawyer that I loved - particularly, the wonderful client relationships that I had based on trust, professionalism, expertise and most of all, empathy.
As my coaching business and client base grows, the work that I am engaged with has activated many transferable skills that enable me to coach effectively:
👂 Listening - as lawyers, we are trained to listen attentively to our clients to understand their needs and concerns. What language is being employed and why? What is being said and what is not? This skill is at the core of any successful coaching relationship.
🗣 Communication - the ability to read and respond to the room! Effective communication underpins the entire coaching process, from building rapport, empathy and understanding client needs to facilitating growth and fostering positive change.
🔍 Analysis - the ability to distill large and often complex amounts of information to a workable format. This skill is incredibly useful to assist coaching clients in assessing their circumstances and options in a structured and pragmatic way, enabling thoughtful and informed decision making.
🔦 Strategy - as a lawyer, case analysis results in a case plan. What is the client’s ultimate objective? What further information/evidence/support is required? What is the best course of action moving forward, taking into account possible obstacles? Similarly, as a Coach I assist clients in evaluating, setting and attaining personal or professional goals by helping them devise actionable plans.
❎ Conflict Resolution - from resolving disputes to negotiating settlements; skills that can be applied in coaching to help clients navigate situations involving inner or external conflict.
⏱ Time Management & Organisation - I don’t miss the ticking clock! However, the ability to manage my time and an effective coaching session is key. Supporting a coaching client assimilate what is important to them to prioritise and how best to do this is a common theme.
Transferable skills are one thing. However, the insight that I have further to the 10 years that I worked within the legal sector, provides an added dimension to my coaching of lawyers.
If you are in the legal profession and interested in coaching, why not book in for a free 30 minute call with me and see what you think?
