Yes, the tv show “Restaurant Impossible” is one of my favorites. While it’s enjoyable to watch the restaurant physical transformations that take place, what I am most satisfied with are the changes that take place within the owner and employees.
Once the restaurant’s weaknesses are exposed, the changes can begin.
Whether you currently work in the legal field or hope to land your first job, it’s important to understand that employers continually need to see how you bring value to their firm. The key word here is “continually”.
If you’re currently employed in the legal field, it’s too easy to become comfortable. As we can see in today’s economy, no job is 100% secure. But what you can do to increase your job security is to become indispensable in the eyes of your employer.
Do you bring value to your employer or are you simply collecting a paycheck?
Many of my colleagues who have worked for sole practitioners understand that you have to be a “jack of all trades”. You simply do not have the luxury of outsourcing the work. An employer will think twice about letting an employee go who is truly seeking to assist and improve the firm.
So what are some of the areas that the employer perceives as having value?
1. Teamwork
2. Flexibility (Not Afraid of Change)
3. Customer Service
4. Work Excellence/Knowledge
5. Attitude
These are all important but there’s one missing. How about “Assisting with Profitability”?
What???
Well, let’s say that you’re already on track and working hard on the above areas. How can you possibly assist with the firm’s profitability?
Well, if you currently work for a sole practitioner or small law firm, are there skills that you could learn that would save the firm money? Here are some that come to mind:
1. Software Installation – For instance, if there is software to be installed, in your off time, could you learn how to install or update software so that your employer does not have to outsource this?
2. Word Skills – have you updated your word processing skills (learned advanced features)?
3. Case Management – how does your firm track the progress of each of its cases? Do they use case management software or a chart of any kind? Could you possibly assist with this?
4. Website – content updates. Are you willing to learn this skill so that your firm does not have to outsource the work?
Think about all of the work your firm currently outsources. How can you take on even a fraction of it to ensure that your job is more secure?
Remember: as you develop new skills, add them to your resume. Also, if you are able to earn a certificate in a specific skill, do so and then frame it. Bring your certificate to work for all the world to see.
Let me know what you think.
