Peer to Peer Magazine

September 2010

The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association

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Michele Gossmeyer Mayer Brown LLP GLOBAL IS ADMINISTRATION & COMMUNICATION MANAGER CHICAGO, IL Number of Attorneys: 1,700 Kristy Costello Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. IT MANAGER IT MANAGER CHICAGO, IL Number of Attorneys: 63 Your most successful method of overcoming fear or meeting a challenge: Fear of public speaking –– although I had spoken publicly many times in many scenarios, when I accepted the ILTA conference co-chair role a few years ago, I was terrified at the thought of getting on stage in front of 3,000 people. Months before conference, my stomach would fill with butterflies every time I thought about it. I wasn’t sure how I could get past that! So I did some research, took a public speaking course, joined Toastmasters (which I highly recommend to anyone) and talked to as many “pros” as I could. Some golden nuggets of advice that I received include: • You don ’t ever want the butterflies to go away; you want to learn to make them “fly in formation.” That nervous energy keeps you on your toes and helps you stay focused. (One of the pros I worked with actually exercises back stage right before going on stage.) • Being comfortable with your material brings you the confidence you need to relate to your audience, so research and practice are critical. • Practicing in your head is not the same as practicing out loud –– do a full run through out loud until you feel you have it down pat. • Arrive early, get comfortable with the room (and equipment if you are using any) and talk to many of your audience members one-on-one before you start. You’ll gain greater comfort of the “human” side of the crowd, and 99 out of 100 times, their excitement and/or questions will give you energy and confidence. And getting through it the first time makes the next time a tiny bit easier (particularly if you agree to reface your fear in a two-year commitment!). Your favorite movies that portray leadership: 12 Angry Men –– things are not always as they appear. Keep an open mind and listen to what everyone has to say. (Editor’s note: see our movie review on page74.) Good Will Hunting –– there is great value in having a true mentor who not only believes in you, but also pushes you when you don’t think you need pushing (and someone who respects you enough to let you reciprocally push them back if they need it). Back To School –– there are learning opportunities in every relationship and being able to keep a sense of humor is unbelievably valuable! (Also, think twice before hiring Kurt Vonnegut to write your Kurt Vonnegut paper!) Real Genius –– a true genius knows how to balance hard work and fun, before it’s too late for fun –– “it’s a moral imperative!” ILTA Peer to Peer the quarterly magazine of ILTA 33 Your most successful method of selling an idea: Stay away from theory and focus on functionality and the business purpose. Keep “me and I” out of it and keep it attorney- and/or client- focused. Finally, do your research! Know everything there is to know because attorneys love to ask questions they suspect you didn’t think about or prepare for. Your favorite quotation about leadership: “Only one man in a thousand is a leader of men –– the other 999 follow women.” –– Groucho Marx. Your favorite reward for a job well done: A day off with permission to turn off the PDA for the ENTIRE day! Your motivators (what gets you out of bed in the morning): Knowing that every day I will be faced with challenges that will test my skill and patience. Your demotivators (what keeps you awake at night): Knowing that every day I will be faced with challenges that will test my skill and patience. ILTA

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