In-House Counsel, Technology

Visionary Leadership In Times Of Change

Seven ways you can set your team up for success.

By STEPHANIE COREY  
on

compass-5261062_1280The true measure of an effective legal operations leader with staying power is how she pivots away from traditional management and toward a new vision for the industry. The key to this transformation lies in recognizing this unique moment and seizing its potential.

Visionary leaders stand out by staying ahead of the curve, identifying opportunities that remain invisible to others, and maintaining clarity in the face of uncertainty. They are strategic thinkers who can execute pragmatically, balancing long-term vision with the demands of daily operations. For example, visionary leaders do not follow the generic trend regarding generative artificial intelligence. Instead, they create custom use cases and learn how to implement them to improve client satisfaction and operational efficiency. 

While it’s clear that visionary leaders possess many unique attributes, achieving this type of leadership in practice is not easy. A key part of the equation is learning to manage your organization’s day-to-day operations and the need for innovation simultaneously. As Ferring Pharmaceutical’s Chief Legal Officer, Curt McDaniel, would say, “It’s a blend of reaching for the stars and working step by step to get there.” This requires a transformative, multi-pronged strategy that leaves a lasting impact on the organization.

In addition, all great leaders have support in their shared vision. Regarding Legal Ops leadership, the support of the Chief Legal Officer and the General Counsel is essential. The CLO/GC should be a united front with the head of Legal Ops and help to define the path forward. Since Legal is at the front line of change and addresses the challenges and resistance accompanying change, support from the top is essential to help clear the way. 

Even great leaders with support from the top can find this process challenging, so here are a few more ways to set your teams up for success. 

  1. Cultivate a Culture of Innovation. Innovation is not a solo endeavor, as it thrives in the fertile soil of collaboration and open dialogue. Engage your team in robust discussions, even if it means challenging the status quo. One way to encourage this is to hold regular ‘Innovation Labs,’ where team members of all levels brainstorm solutions to operational challenges, with the best ideas recognized and rewarded.
  2. Start With The Why. When the CLO/GC clearly articulates the need behind proposed changes compellingly, it eases worry and avoids unnecessary distractions later in the process. Define the needed services and approach the process as if you are running a business (because you are!). Ask questions upfront and address concerns. This open dialogue helps reduce fear and hesitation as you begin. Come back to The Why throughout the process to remind teams of the ultimate goal.
  3. Embrace Risk in a Risk-Averse Field. There is no innovation without risk, yet the legal domain remains cautious. Create an environment where calculated risk-taking is supported and celebrated. Celebrate the team members who dare to think differently and are willing to test new waters.
  4. Anticipate Resistance With Proactive Change Management. Effective change management anticipates and addresses resistance head-on. Develop strategies to navigate potential obstacles and ensure smooth transitions. A proactive stance on change management prepares the organization for the expected and unforeseen, maintaining agility and resilience.
  5. Enable Agility Through Clear Communication and Training. Clarity in communication is paramount. Articulate the vision and the rationale for changes clearly, ensuring alignment across the organization. Complement this with robust training programs that prepare your team for new systems and processes. This dual approach fosters adaptability and ensures everyone can handle the changes ahead.
  6. Bring the Team on the Journey Together. It’s essential to bring the team along with you on this journey of change, starting with meeting them where they are. Talk, listen, and demonstrate that concerns are heard. Involve your people in the change process so they have ownership of it. Change affects everyone in different ways, so by going through this process, you will understand their worldview and how the change affects them personally. From there, you can show individuals how they will benefit from a new approach, and they have the opportunity to embrace and share this vision, too.
  7. Lead by Example. As a leader, your actions set the tone for the organization, and leading by example is key. Demonstrate your commitment to innovation and change to inspire your team to follow suit. Be the first to embrace new tools and methodologies and hold yourself accountable for desired changes. Your example will motivate your team and create a ripple effect of proactive change throughout the organization. 

The legal sector’s path forward is charted by those willing to embrace visionary leadership. By promoting open dialogue, encouraging risk-taking, leading by example, and managing change proactively, you can ensure your organization adapts to change and thrives. The future is being written now, so Legal Ops leaders can be the authors of a narrative that speaks to a collective potential to innovate and excel.

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StephanieCorey_UpLevelOps 2023Stephanie Corey is a co-founder and CEO of UpLevel Ops. Stephanie also co-founded LINK (Legal Innovators Network), a legal operations organization exclusively for experienced, in-house professionals. She previously founded the legal operations trade organization CLOC (Corporate Legal Operations Consortium) and is a former executive member. Please feel free to contact and connect with her on LinkedIn. 

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