CHICAGO, Nov. 27, 2017 — Most law firms are afflicted by high turnover rates, despite having financial success. Ever-increasing salaries have not been enough to offset the highly competitive culture that often leaves lawyers feeling unsatisfied. From the American Bar Association Law Practice Division comes “Positive Professionals: Creating High-Performing Firms Through the Science of Engagement,” a practical guide to developing and using work engagement strategies to produce a positive environment and thriving lawyers.
“Positive Professionals” defines engagement and why it matters, introduces the four foundational components of a positive law firm and explains the six narratives of work engagement:
- My work matters
- I matter
- I’m growing and capable
- I feel energized
- I know how I’m doing and how to get even better
- I’m able to bounce back from setbacks
This book’s science-backed strategies will lead to improved lawyer well-being, as well as increased profitability, productivity, performance and client satisfaction.
About the author:
Anne Brafford, a Big Law partner-turned-researcher, is the founder of Aspire, an educational and consulting firm for the legal profession. In 2014, Bradford left her job as an equity partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP after 18 years to focus on thriving in the legal profession. She has a Master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania and is earning a Ph.D. in positive organizational psychology at Claremont Graduate University in California.
What others are saying about the book:
“Positive Professionals is a well-written, well-researched, witty and sobering exploration of what law firms and lawyers can do to make their work and their lives more meaningful. Anne is not just a lawyer, she is also a scientist. Her recommendations are heavily researched and empirically tested.”
– R. Michael Ethridge, partner, Ethridge Law Group, and founding director of Living Above the Bar (South Carolina’s Attorney Wellness Committee)
“A fascinating and useful read that will appeal to future-facing firms wanting to become magnets for the best talent and to enable all lawyers to be their best personally and professionally. It should be on the desk of every law firm partner.”
– Jami Wintz McKeon, chair, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
“With precision and practicality, Anne Brafford passionately applies principles from the science of positive psychology to the legal field. Her evidence-based, actionable guidelines and mental narratives should be used in every law firm to facilitate lawyer engagement and well-being, to reduce turnover and to increase profit.”
– Becky Reichert, Ph.D., associate professor, Claremont Graduate University, director of LeAD Labs
Title: “Positive Professionals: Creating High-Performing, Profitable Firms Through the Science of Engagement”
Publisher: American Bar Association/Law Practice Division
Pages: 256
Product Code: 5110817
ISBN: 9781641050401
Size: 7 X 10
Binding: Paperback
Price: $44.95
Orders: 800-285-2221 or ShopABA.org
Editor’s note: Review copies are available by sending an email to Rose Frommelt at Rose.Frommelt@americanbar.org. If you publish a review of this book, please send tear sheets or a copy for our files to Rose Frommelt, ABA Book Publishing, 321 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60654.
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