special thanks to velsoft for creating this introduction video. to view a similar video as well as...
Post on 20-Jan-2016
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Special THANKS to Velsoft for creating this introduction video.To view a similar video as well as download a free soft-skills course,
go to www.softskillsforlawfirms.com
Soft-Skills TrainingWHO WHAT WHEN WHERE WHY
Define Soft Skills
Who, What, When, Where and Why
Obstacles
1
2
3
Soft-Skills Agenda
4 How to Start
Wiki DefinesWiki Basic Definition http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soft_skills
• A sociological term relating to a person's "EQ" (Emotional Intelligence Quotient), the cluster of personality traits, social graces, communication, language, personal habits, friendliness, and optimism that characterize relationships with other people. Soft skills complement hard skills.
• Also know as behavioral competencies, interpersonal skills or people skills.
Wiki Definition continuedLegal Reference• It has been suggested that in a number of professions soft skills may
be more important over the long term than occupational skills. The legal profession is one example where the ability to deal with people effectively and politely, more than their mere occupational skills, can determine the professional success of a lawyer.(Giuseppe Giusti, Soft Skills for Lawyers)
IT Reference• Increasingly, over the last two decades, it has been recognized that
when IT Professionals acquire soft skills, better relationships are built between IT and the other business units within the enterprise, fostering alignment. A key element of IT Professionals building these relationships is their ability to communicate, it has been suggested that communication is a measurable and improvable type of intelligence, "CQ" (Communication Quotient).
• (Robert Service, CQ: the Communication Quotient for IS professionals)
Legal Reference• It has been suggested that in a number of professions soft skills may
be more important over the long term than occupational skills. The legal profession is one example where the ability to deal with people effectively and politely, more than their mere occupational skills, can determine the professional success of a lawyer.(Giuseppe Giusti, Soft Skills for Lawyers)
IT Reference• Increasingly, over the last two decades, it has been recognized that
when IT Professionals acquire soft skills, better relationships are built between IT and the other business units within the enterprise, fostering alignment. A key element of IT Professionals building these relationships is their ability to communicate, it has been suggested that communication is a measurable and improvable type of intelligence, "CQ" (Communication Quotient).
• (Robert Service, CQ: the Communication Quotient for IS professionals)
www.wordle.net
Sample Exercise• Back-2-Back Drawing – Round 1
– Experience receiving direction without non-verbal cues.
– Communication– Collaboration
• Back-2-Back Drawing – Round 2– Person is allowed to ask yes/no question
How does your drawing look?
Other Potential Drawings:
Back-2-Back Drawing • Debrief
– What was it like to give directions?– What was it like to receive directions without
being allowed to ask questions?– Why do you think the pictures in the room are so
different?– Do you think the people receive or perceive the
same instructions the same?– What’s stopping you from asking questions?– Do you know your teammates well enough to
communication effectively?
WHO WHAT WHEN WHERE WHYcan benefit? types are
effective?is an effective time to offer?
are valuable resources?
offer these courses?
Soft-Skills Training
HOWto incorporate some soft skills training at your firm?
WHO can benefit?
• Staff• Assistants• Paralegals• Attorneys• Clients• YOU
EVERYONE
WHAT types are effective?• Seminars/Workshops
– Practice Groups– Client Teams– General Group Session
• Online• Informal Meetings• Retreats
WHEN is an effective time to offer?
• Relevant• Consistent• Part of Overall Firm Goals
and Objectives
WHERE are good resources?• Firm Personnel• Local Companies• Customized Courses• Online Courses/Videos• Books• Web• ILTA !!!
See Resource document for additional information on the above resources.
WHY offer these courses?• Employee
– Provide an environment that fosters growth (personally and professionally)
– Best Employees want to get better and weaker need opportunities to get better.
• Supervisors/Managers– Increased job satisfaction and morale– Reduced turnover– Increased capacity to adopt new technologies and methods
• Firm– Increased efficiencies in processes, resulting in financial gain.– Enhanced company image– Increase the goal of achieving company goals and objectives
• Who to start with?• What should we start with?• Where am I going to find time?• When is best time?• Now we understand WHYWHY this
never seems to happen!
HOW to get started?
Obstacles
• No centralized training department
• Core competencies have not been clearly defined
• Absence of leadership and direction has results in lack of focus and continuity
• Lack of time and resources
“Developing Effective Client Service Teams: A Whole New Approach”Peer to Peer Magazine, Professional Development Issue, August 2005 by Theresa Lundquist, Perfect Access Speer
Overcoming Obstacles
• Focus on CollaborationCollaboration
• Utilize the expertise of the various people withinthe firm
• Draft an outline and getthe approval of management
• Focus on CollaborationCollaborationMove toward training and education that is Strategic
Collaboration
Human ResourcesAssistantsStaff
Info. TechnologyLitigation Support
Legal Support Services
AttorneysParalegalsPractice Group
Management
Assessment
Library Resources
Project ManagementWord Processing
ChangeManagement
Team BuildingTime
Management
Critical Thinking
How do weDo this?
...but...
HOWto put together a Soft Skills program
Six month plan Main focus on
CollaborationCollaborationTraining that is StrategicStrategic
Resources Guide upload with PowerPoint
Firm training
HOW?
General IntranetGeneral Intranet
WHATtype?
TipsVideos
Change ManagementChange ManagementGroup Meeting
Online Course
WHENbest time?
WeeklyMonthly
Dale CarnegieDale Carnegie
WHEREresources?
5th month Local EAP(Employee Assisted Program)
Velsoft Online Training
Staff training
HOW?
Team Building
WHATtype?
Small Seminarswith various groups Accounting, Business Development, Human Resources, IS Department
WHENbest time?
1st MonthOne group per month
VelsoftMind Tool Exercises
WHEREresources?
Members from previous group help with next group.
Assistant training
Book Review
WHATtype?
Who Moved My Cheese
Team BuildingOnline Course
WHENbest time?
2nd Month Group DiscussionWiki (Remote Offices)
WHEREresources?
4th month
HOW?
Choose several people to help with next session.
VelsoftMind Tool Exercises
Attorney training
Public Speaking
WHATtype?
Toast Masters
Team BuildingTeam BuildingExercise
Online Course
WHENbest time?
Based on Interest(New Associates)
Toast Masters
WHEREresources?
3rd MonthPractice Groups
HOW?
Mind Tool Exercises(Request 15 minutes)
Velsoft
Depending on interest ask an attorney to speak on future topics.
Future look at potential programs
HOW?
• Associate Boot Camp• Attorney Mentoring Program
– Communication Skills– Listening– Time Management
• Assistant Mentoring/Team Program • Certificate Program for Staff Training
Individual SessionsOur focus has been on the attorneys
HOW?
• Associate Boot Camp– Organization– Time Management– Working with Your Assistant
(Courtesy, Respect, Communication, Team Building)
• Attorney Mentoring Program– Communication Skills– Listening– Time Management– Commercials - Movies– Seven Steps to Getting a “Date”
Individual SessionsOur focus has been on the attorneys
HOW?
• Various Attorney Lead Presentations– Generation: Can’t We All Just Get Along– One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey– Lessons from an Irate In-House Counsel– Fixed Fees: Historical look at Law Firms – Commercials - Movies– Seven Steps to Getting a “Date”– Social Media Sessions
Under Our Umbrella
• Get Started!• Keep an Eye on the Future…• Don’t make it Hard! • Build Team Work!!
Thanks!
GO!