Local business pro gives lawyers time management tips
Attorneys are usually in a hurry. Between meeting with clients, court dates, seemingly endless paperwork and more, it’s no wonder lawyers are often running on fumes and a lot of coffee by the end of the day.
While the workload is often heavy, there is a way to effectively manage your time as a lawyer and still have the chance to spend time with your family, enjoy your hobbies and be a more effective attorney.
As a local business coach, I have been fortunate to help companies of all types, sizes and industries, including working with several lawyers over the years. I am based in Fort Wayne, IN, and have a passion for using my expertise to help local businesses thrive and helping owners reach their professional goals.
When it comes to working with lawyers, my job is to combine my knowledge of the business world with their legal skills and expertise to help their practice thrive. Business coaches look at big picture items, which makes them perfect partners for lawyers. While I won’t be able to help with your case work, I can help you make a strategic business plan, effectively market your services and use effective time management to take control of your days.
A common time management error I see with my clients is a focus on their daily tasks rather than a larger view of the tasks they have at hand. So many times, in any field, someone can get so locked in on one task, they can lose sight of the bigger picture or fail to make adjustments when they’re needed.
An effective time manager understands their overall goals and is regularly taking a step back and asking themselves if their current course of action is driving them toward their goals in the most effective way, instead of blindly continuing down a path they predetermined, but might no longer be the right way to move forward.
Another simple tip I work with my clients on is using the right resources to manage their time. Some clients have been using the same day planner for decades, and while it might keep them on task for the most part, anyone can leverage today’s technology to help with time management and help you keep your eye on the bigger picture.
Especially in the case of attorneys, we must have tough conversations about taking on too much work or committing to help when our own goals can’t be met. I am not saying collaboration is not good and you shouldn’t help when you’re able, but taking on tasks which keep you from your own goals, when you’re already short on time, must be avoided to best serve your clients and preserve your mental health.
The legal profession can be a stressful one, but by using effective time management you can perform at a high level and keep your stress levels in a manageable place. By focusing on the important things, using the right resources and knowing which tasks to take on and which ones to turn down, you can take control of your professional life.
If you’re ready to run a smoother operation and reach your professional goals, book a consultation with me today and let’s get to work.
