Peer to Peer Magazine

Leadership profiles Pat Morris Torys LLP DIRECTOR, PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION TORONTO, ON Number of Attorneys: 300 Your most successful method of selling an idea: I figure out how the idea will benefit the person I need to sell it to. I start by giving the person some written material/background before we meet. Discussing ideas without giving people a chance to think first can leave them feeling backed into a corner. I generally find that people are more receptive at least to talking about a new idea if you give them time to get comfortable with the concept. Your most successful method of overcoming fear or meeting a challenge: I am very aware of the things that are outside my comfort zone, particularly the areas that are a part of my role at the firm. I try to do something “scary” at least once a week. Over time, many of these things have become easier. When I have to meet a new challenge, I solicit input from people who I respect and who I know will have unique perspectives on the challenge I’m facing. Your favorite reward for a job well done: Just a simple “thank you.” Knowing that someone thought I did well and took the time to tell me is so uplifting. I try to remember that with people on my project teams; a simple e-mail message thanking them and copying their manager fosters tremendous goodwill. I want people to want to work with me on projects, and one way I try to make that happen is by giving them learning opportunities and expressing appreciation for their efforts. Your favorite movies that portray leadership: There are so many examples, but since we had the chance to meet the real Jim Lovell at an ILTA conference, I would have to say Apollo 13. All the great qualities of leadership were featured in that movie, and not just by the Jim Lovell character, but also his crew and the team in Houston: remaining calm in a crisis, creative thinking, breaking down a problem to focus on what really matters, treating everyone with respect even (and especially) under stress. That is probably one of my favorite movies and that will be for all time my favorite ILTA keynote speaker. The best advice you’ve ever received: The best advice I ever received was from my father who was a labor commissioner and spent most of his time negotiating with unions. He said you should always make sure the other side is able to walk away with something they wanted and with their self-respect preserved. If you leave them with nothing, you may feel you’ve won, but they will never forget the experience; and one day, rest assured, you will need something from them, and they will remember how you treated them. Your heroes: One is Terry Fox. He ran thousands of miles and sacrificed his life to raise awareness about cancer. The money that has been raised in his name since then has resulted in tremendous advancement in cancer research and treatment. I think he is probably the most wonderful Canadian ever born, and I’m so proud, as a Canadian, of Terry Fox’s contribution to cancer research. My other hero is my mother. She is 88 years young this year and is still unbelievably energetic and beautiful. She and my father recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. My father’s health is very fragile, but she devotes herself to his care and so far has been able to keep him at home. She never complains and never uses the word “sacrifice” . . . it’s simply what she wants to do for someone she has loved for a very long time. She is a hero to everyone in my family. ILTA Denise Ash Robinson & McElwee PLLC APPLICATION AND LITIGATION SUPPORT SPECIALIST CHARLESTON, WV Number of Attorneys: 40 Your most successful method of selling an idea: I have found that the more enthusiasm and positive outlook I have for an idea, the more likely it is to “sell.” I keep an 34 www.iltanet.org Peer to Peer optimistic attitude and review the pros of an idea in my mind before submitting it. Your favorite quotation about leadership: “Don’t tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results.” (George S. Patton) Your motivators (what gets you out of bed in the morning): I love working with people and helping them. I get to do that every day (whether or not it’s a work day), so that gets me out of bed in the morning. (Well, that and my 50-pound German Shorthaired Pointer, Vivienne!) ILTA

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