People-centered Work: How to leverage professional relationships for success
When asked, “Who is your greatest inspiration?”, who comes to mind? Maybe a mentor or a prominent figure in the industry. For me, it has always been, and will always be, my dad. He was the one who instilled in me the values I hold and taught me how to prioritize the important things in life. He was a great example of true work ethic—always working hard towards goals that made a positive impact in the lives of others. I credit much of my success to his example and support.
The work of a lawyer is one of service, with people at the center of it all. Recognizing that your work impacts the lives of those you’re working with and for is a sure way to find more fulfillment and purpose in your day to day.
As a legal recruiter, people are always at the forefront of my work. It is my mission to find lawyers a role that aligns with both their personal and professional goals, so they can not only find joy in their personal lives, but leverage their professional career to create a life they desire in the office and at home. In a 1:1 recruiting experience, I am better able to learn the goals of each candidate and use those as a baseline when finding opportunities that allow them to reach those goals quicker and with greater success.
Investing time and energy into my professional relationships is more than just an avenue to find clients; it’s a means of finding fulfillment in my work and learning from others and their unique experiences.
Remaining curious about others and shifting your mindset to one of opportunity allows you to establish connections that inspire and ultimately lead to greater success. And it’s a two-way street. Just as those relationships bring opportunities for growth to you, you have singular assets to share with and bring value to the people around you as well.
Let’s zoom out and reflect on those people who inspire you. How do their lives, and their successes, model a path to something greater that you too could replicate? I encourage you to not just consider one person, but a variety of people who inspire you, so you can choose the best route forward that will suit your goals and circumstances. As a side note, I’ve also found that when I show respect to others and communicate my admiration for them and what they do, they more willingly jump to my aid and become a resource for me. It’s important not to waste others’ time—but when you sincerely listen to the wisdom they have to share, a moment of connection can turn to a lasting, reciprocal relationship that can help you both grow.
If we aren’t already, I encourage you to connect with me on LinkedIn. Every week I share industry-specific education and advice, and I am always open to speaking more on topics that you’re interested in. You can also find me on Instagram @ggpaasrecruiting sharing quick takes on big law and the recruiting world.
Don’t hesitate to reach out via direct message or at ggpaasrecruiting.com/contact. I’d love to connect and discuss how we can work together to bring your goals to life.