In the competitive landscape of business, we often become consumed by working harder and longer than others as some type of badge of success. In the legal profession this comes in the form of billable hours, client demands,...more
Many times, when a new client walks into my office, they’re avoiding something. Maybe it’s a tough conversation with a business partner, a challenging negotiation with a vendor, or that dreaded discussion about succession...more
In the high-stakes world of business, happily not all professional interactions are confined to conference rooms or phone calls. Sometimes, the most transformative conversations happen during something as seemingly casual as...more
A fundamental truth that separates successful ventures from failed ones is that when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, the only viable path forward is straight through the difficulty. This isn’t just motivational...more
A good work experience isn’t just a luxury. A good work experience is an absolute necessity. Businesses aren’t just purchasing labor. Instead, they’re investing in human potential, and that investment requires genuine...more
Every moment of everyday both digital screens and people are vying for our attention. When you are on the phone or sitting with someone and your phone beeps with a notification about a text or social media post it distracts...more
The calm person wins – is a truth I’ve observed during my professional career. When emotions run hot and tensions rise, if you maintain your composure, you will inevitably gain the upper hand. You also will make better...more
Let me tell you something about success that many people want to ignore – effort and working hard is not enough. I’ve spent my career practicing law and seen countless businesses rise and fall. Through this view I’ve noticed...more
2/21/2025
/ Business Development ,
Business Ownership ,
Business Strategies ,
Corporate Culture ,
Entrepreneurs ,
Leadership ,
Professional Development ,
Risk Management ,
Small Business ,
Startups ,
Strategic Planning
After years of practicing law, I’ve learned one immutable truth: compromise isn’t just a strategy, it is what keeps deals and relationships alive. Every day, I watch business owners and leaders who think they can strong-arm...more
2/21/2025
/ Business Development ,
Business Strategies ,
Client Services ,
Contract Terms ,
Corporate Culture ,
Corporate Governance ,
Dispute Resolution ,
Ethics ,
Management ,
Negotiations ,
Professional Development ,
Risk Management ,
Strategic Planning
Let me tell you something straight – mediocrity is a choice, and excellence is a habit. I’ve spent my career watching companies rise and fall, and the one constant separator between success and failure is the relentless...more
2/20/2025
/ Best Practices ,
Business Development ,
Business Strategies ,
Career Development ,
Corporate Culture ,
Firm Leadership ,
Innovation ,
Law Practice Management ,
Leadership ,
Management ,
Professional Development ,
Strategic Planning ,
Thought Leadership
In the demanding worlds in which we all work, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by ambitious goals and high-stakes outcomes. Many professionals fixate on major victories—landing the prestigious customer, client, or sale;...more
At the start of a new calendar or fiscal year, business leaders and professionals face a critical opportunity to evaluate which practices, policies, and procedures drive value for their organizations. This is important to...more
1/15/2025
/ Audits ,
Best Practices ,
Business Development ,
Business Operations ,
Business Strategies ,
Client Services ,
Corporate Culture ,
Corporate Governance ,
Corporate Restructuring ,
Employees ,
Firm Leadership ,
Labor Relations ,
Leadership ,
Performance Reviews ,
Performance Standards ,
Policies and Procedures ,
Risk Management ,
Strategic Planning
Ending the year well can mean different things to different people. For some, it might mean achieving a personal goal or completing a major project. For others, it might mean spending time with loved ones or taking some time...more
Beginning in 2014, many of you probably read my blog regarding having a checkup for you and, if you have one, your business. This does not involve the doctor, but it does involve all the other professionals in your personal...more
The people you associate with help determine your future. They matter when people think of you, so choosing wisely is important. Depending on your position, you may or may not be able to choose co-workers, but you can choose...more
We’re just past Thanksgiving 2024. It has been another busy, fast, and crazy year. In thinking about writing about being thankful or gratitude, I can’t say it better than I have before, so here is my annual blog for the week...more
Maintaining optimism isn’t just about wearing rose-colored glasses. It’s about you recognizing opportunities where others see obstacles. This mindset allows you to think strategically, thereby inspiring your team and...more
True greatness is based on our ability to unleash the potential of those around us. To do this you have to shift your focus from personal accomplishments to enabling others’ success. If you do so, your actions will have an...more
I generally do not rerun prior posts but with the current state of things, the general negativity that seems to be hanging in the air, and coarseness in dealing with others, this post from 2018 came to mind. It applied then....more
Every day is a good day to think about and set goals. These can be short or long-term goals. Many people write New Year’s Resolutions and view that as the time to set goals or challenges. A lot of those same people are the...more
Fulton J. Sheen said, “Jealousy is the tribute mediocrity pays to genius.” While harsh, this observation rings particularly true in competitive workplace environments, where success often breeds resentment among colleagues....more
Your business has a culture whether it is conscious or not. My firm has a defined culture we call the JW Way. It is a mission statement consisting of twenty-seven fundamentals that the owners and employees strive to live by...more
This past weekend I was reading something and saw the phrase “be the change you want to see.” I’ve heard it before and have written about the benefits of change. It struck me as I believe change and trying new things is the...more
You grow or stay stagnant. My point is that you either are taking action to improve yourself and your business or you are not. This is like being all talk and taking no action or being fully engaged. Action matters and there...more
Management is about execution. More specifically, management is about executing the visions of your company’s leadership. Managers work in the present while leaders work in the future. Managers of people need to focus on how...more