Episode 174-How Self-Awareness Increases Your Effectiveness in Managing Your Legal Team

Episode notes

Self-awareness is an important and often overlooked skill in a lawyer's toolkit. Personality and behavioral assessments like DISC can be used in a practical, grounded way to help lawyers better understand their strengths, spot blind spots, improve communication, and show up more effectively with clients, colleagues, and prospects. To unpack how these tools can be used well (and where they can be misused), Steve is joined in this episode by John Kormanik , a Professional Certified Coach who works with lawyers around the world and the author of Break the Law: A Story of a Reimagined Career and a Reclaimed Life . Before launching his coaching practice, John spent more than 20 years as a practicing attorney, including serving as a Deputy Attorney General, working in private practice, and owning and leading his own law firm for 16 years. This experience informs his practical approach to helping lawyers lead with intention. Key Takeaways: Self-awareness is crucial for lawyers to enhance leadership and client relationships. DISC assessments help improve communication within legal teams. Understanding natural vs. adapted states can help overcome fixed mindsets.