Articles From the Team
Boost the working blues
Are you feeling low on morale? Maybe there have been changes your team or workflow and others around you are loosing their sense of energy too? Too little, or too much work can have a huge impact on the dynamic of a team. While some individuals thrive off pressure, others end up feeling swamped and simply need a steady flow of work to keep them happy. For many, itchy feet at work simply comes through boredom. It may not be the flow of work, but perhaps you have just been in the same role for too long and need to step back to reassess your situation. Perhaps it’s as simple as picking up the phone to clients, to re-establish connections and make you feel energised again? Could you draw up a new business development strategy to meet warm clients and approach clients who have gone cold? Take control and suggest ideas to your team – more often than not your team and partners above you will see this as a positive and be very keen to support you. A simple change in activities can refresh you and give you an extra boost that you were lacking.
Whilst many lawyers are happy to focus on fee earning and that is the key to their role and enjoyment at work, others may need more. Mentoring can be an excellent way to give you wider responsibilities and giving support can make both you and others around you feel more valued at work. Perhaps there are junior solicitors in your team, paralegals or support staff who would really appreciate your time. If you are in a position to give others more training or hands on support that could help them develop their performance, feel more integrated into the team and be rewarding for you both - a feeling of appreciation and improvement in performance and can be a great motivation boost and give you the extra variety you are looking for.
During the daily grind it’s very easy to forget why you enjoy your job. At times there may be more deep rooted issues that can’t be easily addressed, such as a block on progression, pay freeze or change in role, but more often than not boredom can be addressed. Try to be a positive influence on the team around you, both in terms of your capacity as a fee earner and mentor too. You might not have the ability to change a large firm or organisation, but you could make a difference to your immediate team and the direct culture around you. Things as simple as organising a lunch or team drinks can boost morale and to bring a team closer together, it will give everyone something to look forward to and create a bond amongst the people you work with.
No one can love their job every day of the week, that’s life, but changing a few simple things can help enormously. However if after all your efforts you still feel undervalued, or your aspirations are simply not being met by your current firm, perhaps it’s time to consider your options and move on.
For more information contact Louisa Phillips at BCL Legal.