Last week I was in NYC attending the National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL) Annual Conference. I always look forward to this event, but this year’s program was particular meaningful to me. The conference theme of “Leading with Confidence and Courage” is one that is very close to my heart, and, in fact, my new book will address that theme as well. I am happy to say that I sent the manuscript for that new Best Friends at the Bar book to my publisher weeks ago, so it is on its journey to help all of you achieve leadership in the law profession and also help you know what to expect from the leadership at your firms and other employers.
There were some very informative breakout sessions at the NAWL Conference this year and inspiring speeches by the award recipients during the lunch program. One of those recipients, Anita Hill, who became famous when she accused US Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment during the Senate confirmation hearings in 1991, held the crowd spellbound and received a standing ovation. Her remarks and the plenary session where she served as a panelist were particularly valuable and thought-provoking.
I hope that some of you had an opportunity to attend the conference. If you missed it, here are some lessons you would have learned:
- There is a tenuous connection between being confident and being right. People who say they are 100% confident are wrong 20% of the time;
- Speaking up is often hard for women. Practice is the key. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Always remember to be succinct and put a period at the end of your contribution;
- Women lawyers must learn to self promote. It is who you know “who knows what you know” that will make the difference in your career rise;
- Confident women are not always well-received. Learn to pick your battles. It is a judgment call when to make a public statement calling out someone’s behavior or when you confine that to a private conversation. Use good judgment and make sure it is worth it if you choose the public setting; and
- Use humor to your best advantage. It is a great ice breaker.
I hope that you will put the lessons of the NAWL Conference to good use. I know I will!
