My average client is not at all who you think they are
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“So, Jon — what’s it like working with all of the depressed lawyers in Paris?” It’s a joke — which exists in several variations — that I often hear when I spend time with lawyers in my network. And while there are few things I love more than a good laugh, this one scores low points with me because it stems from a widespread misconception that I’m obligated to refute on a regular basis. But where does this unhappy-lawyer-as-coaching-client stereotype come from?
One reason people hang onto this stereotype seems to be the erroneous idea that coaching is mainly for under-performers — a last resort before throwing in the towel and looking for work in another industry. But the reality is often the complete opposite: the vast majority of my clients are actually on the opposite end of the performance spectrum. My typical clients are lawyers who have already achieved their most ambitious objectives and are looking to raise the bar even higher (I do have the pleasure of occasionally working with lawyers who are still working on realising their potential — it’s just that they happen to not make up the majority of my clients).
It is interesting to note that numerous sectors — e.g. technology and consulting — have long abandoned the idea that coaching is a last-ditch effort for someone experiencing difficulty in their professional life. And, in fact, the norm is (once again) the opposite: technology and consulting firms often select their highest performers as ideal candidates for coaching. For example, leaders of tech giants like Apple and Google appear regularly in the press to sing the praises of their executive coaches. Meanwhile, top barristers and law firm partners tend to be much more discreet about their coaches.
This discretion is, in fact, another reason for the persistent stereotypes about coaching for lawyers: the belief — particularly widespread in major international law firms — that top lawyers are flawless, and that if you have to ask for help, then something isn’t quite right.
Still, everyone knows (but is afraid to admit) that behind this façade of perfection there are many opportunities for development — and fortunately so! Think about it: work would be painfully boring if every day didn’t present an opportunity to grow and to learn something. Those who are able to precisely identify their weaknesses — and have the courage and work ethic to address them — demonstrate their maturity and wisdom through their capacity to distinguish between their areas of expertise and those aspects of their work that need to be developed (I wrote in more depth on the subject of asking for help, and why it’s actually a sign of strength, here).
In addition, the persistent misconception around who can benefit from coaching shows a real disconnect from reality. The fact is, we learn every day; we are constantly improving ourselves and the way that we work (Simone de Beauvoir famously said that what distinguishes human beings from all other animals is our wish to constantly surpass our existing abilities). And we readily accept this reality in most facets of our life: after all, isn’t hiring a personal trainer the hallmark of a person committed to achieving excellence in their health and physical fitness?
What opportunities to realise your full potential remain untapped? Contact Jon here to discuss how working together could help you to achieve your most ambitious objectives. You can find out about my qualifications and experience here.