The definition of management is “the process of dealing with or controlling things or people.” Sounds incredibly vast and lots of fun, right? Well, management can be narrowed, and it can actually be quite rewarding, but there are many pieces of the puzzle that need to fall into place for such an outcome. Both personally and professionally, we have countless management responsibilities and techniques weaving through our lives. And let’s be honest, learning to manage starts early. From watching our 4-year-old daughter host a formal tea party with her stuffies (cool new term for stuffed animals), to our 7-year-old son coaching his friends to victory on their multiplayer Switch games, to our 9-year-old daughter leading her gymnastics team through intricate moves via Zoom, I see firsthand how early we take on management roles. If we develop confidence, skills and the tools necessary to manage well, then later, as we take on more life responsibilities, the complicated side of management can be fun. But what are those skills and tools? Well, in relation to law practice, the authors in this issue will outline some very helpful tips. In relation to life, let’s ask those kids I just mentioned.
Sloan (4): “The best management skill is for others to listen to me.”
I can see where Sloan is coming from here. Of course, her captive stuffy audience does just this. She talks, they listen. At a very basic level, she’s right. But if we kick it up a notch, what does this really mean? Good management has a team of people who trust each other, respect each other and truly listen to one another. A solid leader develops a team that listens, is encouraged to share and that learns not just from one person, but from everyone.