You Are Never As Smart As You Think
Posted: March 15, 2011 Filed under: Uncategorized 7 Comments »I not only use all the brains that I have, but all that I can borrow.
– Woodrow Wilson
When I was appointed General Counsel at Qwest in 2002, I automatically became smarter and more articulate. Or, at least, that is the way people acted in my presence. Of course, since my abilities (such as they were) had not changed one iota, I soon realized that people were less willing to question me, point out when I was wrong, and, most importantly, ask for clarity when I was unclear in my direction. And this was true not only with the lawyers in our department but with many of the outside counsel with whom we worked. This is one of the key perils of leadership and it can be particularly perilous for general counsel. If your inside and outside legal teams are not expressing their disagreement, asking for clarity when your direction is hazy, simply put: you are sunk.
Somehow, as a leader, you need to create an environment where questions are welcomed. It must be one that is respectful, so that people feel they can raise issues without getting their head lopped off (which is a challenge due to the pressure and time constraints under which in-house attorneys typically operate). Disagreeing without being disagreeable is not easy. It helps greatly if you hire people who are willing to mix it up. At Qwest we like to say, we have thick skin and it is all scar tissue. An environment where there can be aggressive push back and the advocatus diaboli is welcome is ideal. But it takes a great team (inside and out), who has worked a long time together to cultivate that culture.
What are some of your strategies to promote an environment that encourages healthy dialogue?
What an interesting perspective. I was just thinking the other day, as we prepare to leave this place that, regardless of whether I continue the practice of law, I will draw much of my leadership style in the future from you. You have been a true inspiration and, often, a great source of comfort, to me during my time with you.
Obviously, you were chosen for the position because you were smart and articulate, but I’m sure the addition of a position in power created a perceptual change in your ability to influence outcomes. Personally, I never found you unapproachable; in fact, your willingness to challenge us made me more willing to challenge you when it was appropriate (which was admittedly rare!) I imagine the people who didn’t struggled more with their own insecurity or fear of conflict than a particular unwillingness to engage you.
As I go forward, I am looking forward to being a servant leader, much as I have watched you operate. Although you have demanded a high standard of competence, you have also been available as a sympathetic and supportive mentor. I will never forget the arrangements that were made for me during my time of tragedy, much of which was done with your encouragement. Your presence at Shawn’s funeral even made my mom feel better about leaving me here in Colorado; she trusted you to look out for me.
Additionally, your commitment to ethics, service, and diversity have set the tone for an entire department and, at times, an entire company, and that was no easy feat, given the culture you walked into.
Your fearlessness and commitment to your values have been a tremendous motivator for me, and probably one of the main reasons that I pursued the MBA: because I knew I could be better. So, in case no one else takes the time to say it, you have been an incredible person to work for, and I am so sad to see it come to an end.
Best of luck to you and your family, wherever life may take you.
Thank you for such a nice note. We have a great team at Qwest; thanks for being such an dedicated part of it.
[...] only has two posts up so far, but it is telling that he titled his first post, You Are Never As Smart As You Think. It is about the importance of GC fostering an environment where their staff and their outside [...]
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Rich,
Thank you very much for this interesting post. I also encourage contrarian viewpoints, challenges to my assumptions and what ifs … its hard to find people that are willing to do so without being invited to do it. Its easier to stay within one comfort zone than to stick out our head and confront someone in a leadership role.
Agreed. But the ones who are willing to do so are worth their weight in gold (or in shares of Facebook).