The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/67910
Reinvent Yourself in Challenging Times Identify a need that isn't being met, and explain how you're the best person to fill that gap. TJ: As the manager of a law department, my biggest obstacle was the corporate structure (aka "bureaucracy"). I had to look for ways to make small projects shine, and I had to be patient to watch for the right moment to introduce ideas. As the IT director of a law firm, the toughest nut to crack was the COO, whose vision varied greatly from mine. I learned how to demonstrate the business value of my ideas and lobby for support for what, in my assessment, were valuable projects that might have been considered "out of scope," while also furthering the "stated" goals. Tom M: I would have to say the biggest challenge I've overcome is letting go of decision-making. I've learned to give people the tools and information needed to do what's best and see what happens. Of course, I try to dissuade them from making mistakes. Bill: While between jobs, I was very concerned that I was going to become stagnant or nonrelevant in my technical skills. So I focused on understanding where I may have gaps, which led me to take on numerous meaningful tasks, particularly ones that challenged me. One can learn from almost any project, so doing small side jobs and volunteer work helped me expand my skills, kept me sharp and gave me some additional insight into real market needs. Just like our champions, using these tips can help you reinvent yourself and deliver a knockout punch during challenging times. We encourage you to cut out the "Reinvent Yourself in Challenging Times" diagram for future reference and inspiration. Volunteer for ILTA Joy: I would be hard-pressed to explain how volunteering for ILTA didn't play into my current role. When I took on my latest role, I was moving into an extremely unfamiliar area of technology. The opportunity to learn — as well as the clearly strategic nature of the technology — was exciting! However, I worried that I was an "old dog" unable to learn "new tricks." My ILTA volunteerism helped me in several significant ways: • I had a network of colleagues immediately at hand with real-world experience in my new areas of responsibility. That meant that quick answers (and sound advice) were just a message away. • I had a cheering section — the many dear friends I have made through my ILTA career. • I had the inspiration of the careers of my peers — everyone I had seen grow and master new positions and new technologies. Thanks (and hugs) to all! Kate: I owe ILTA a debt of gratitude for helping me prepare to make the leap to my current role just a few short weeks ago. • By serving as a volunteer leader, I have had the opportunity to develop the team-building, management and leadership skills that will be critical to my future success. Given the relatively flat organizational structures of my previous organizations, the opportunity to continue developing these skills in a safe, supportive environment is worth its weight in gold. • I have also had the pleasure of working with and leading professionals from a variety of backgrounds and talents. Networking with ILTA's diverse membership allows me to broaden my perspective and gain exposure to new and different ideas and ways of doing things. • And tapping into the power of ILTA's network was a critical tool throughout my interview process. While the firm was assessing whether or not I would be a good fit, I was able to reach out to my ILTA peers to learn more about the firm and its leaders to determine if it was a good fit for me … and to enlist several of those peers to help tell my story. Peer to Peer 37