As a Sacramento legal employment specialist, we know that law firms are like people; they all have their unique personalities. Some are more casual, while others are near cutthroat. And if yours sounds more like the latter, it can be tough to keep your head above water and walk the fine line between work and life.
While competition can certainly be a good thing, it can actually have a negative impact when taken to the extreme. To help you harness the power of competition, while still living a balanced life, here are some tips to consider:
Make yourself stand out.
Having a key skill – that no one else has or very few other people have – can set you apart in the workplace. Even if that skill isn’t necessarily a part of your job description, use it if it enables you to make yourself indispensable – or more visible – to your boss. For example, if you speak French and your law firm needs documents translated, then offer to do it.
Adapt to change.
In today’s world, things can change in an instant. One minute, the firm is humming along and then the next, a key paralegal has quit. When these things happen – as they inevitably do – offer to lend a hand where you can, even if the tasks aren’t traditionally a part of your job or department.
Keep track of your accomplishments.
Every time you get positive feedback from a client, or put out a fire on the job, keep track of it in a file or notebook. When it comes time for you to make a case for a promotion or raise, or during your annual performance review, you can demonstrate the key value you bring to the table with specific examples of accomplishments.
Seek out a mentor.
We all encounter situations at work where we’re not quite sure what to do. Your peers may not have the experience to offer advice, while you don’t want to turn to your boss and risk compromising your working relationship. However, if you have a mentor – someone who can advise you and help you hone and develop your skills – you can turn to this person in times like these.
Strive to maintain a balance.
When you work in a competitive environment, it can be difficult to focus on things other than work, even in the evenings and weekends. But it’s essential you turn off the phone, put away the laptop, and do something other than work during your down time. You’ll be more energized and productive as a result.
And if your work environment is simply too extreme for your personality, let us know. As a Sacramento legal employment specialist, we work with a variety of law firms and organizations with legal departments; as a result, we can help you find an opportunity that’s a better fit for you. Contact us today to get started.