Description
Book SynopsisMany firms take it on faith that there's only one way to attract and retain top talent and motivate peak performance: Ever-rising salaries. But has it worked? Firms’ hyper-competitive cultures, complaints of growing incivility and demoralization, a diversity crisis at the top, and a revolving door of talent suggest that it's time to try something new.
Positive Professionals is a practical handbook of science-backed strategies to foster full engagement by enhancing people's experience of meaningful work, of feeling valued and valuable, and of growing and developing. Skeptical of a new approach? That’s natural. But it has science on its side. The book's well-researched business case convincingly shows that greater engagement boosts not only individual well-being but also profitability, productivity, performance, retention of talent, and client satisfaction.
Trade Review"Law firm failures aren't always spectacular implosions that produce dramatic headlines. Many firms are suffering a slower, more insidious death through worker disengagement. Lawyers are not alone in the search for personal fulfillment through meaningful employment. But today's attorneys are suffering disproportionately from its absence. In Positive Professionals, former Big Law partner Anne Brafford blends psychology, biology, social science, and personal narratives to develop practical solutions. A must-read for every law firm leader (are you "toxic" or "transformational"?), Brafford offers recommendations that, if followed, will enhance the quality of lawyers' lives and improve the profession." -- Steven J. Harper, retired partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, columnist, and author of several books, including The Lawyer Bubble–A Profession in Crisis, and Crossing Hoffa–A Teamster’s Story
Law firm failures aren't always spectacular implosions that produce dramatic headlines. Many firms are suffering a slower, more insidious death through worker disengagement. Lawyers are not alone in the search for personal fulfillment through meaningful employment. But today's attorneys are suffering disproportionately from its absence. In Positive Professionals, former Big Law partner Anne Brafford blends psychology, biology, social science, and personal narratives to develop practical solutions. A must-read for every law firm leader (are you “toxic” or “transformational”?), Brafford offers recommendations that, if followed, will enhance the quality of lawyers' lives and improve the profession. -- Steven J. Harper, retired partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, columnist, and author of several books, including The Lawyer Bubble–A Profession in Crisis, and Crossing Hoffa–A Teamster’s Story
"Positive Professionals is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about work engagement and how to create it through practical, science-backed strategies tailored to the legal profession. It is a fascinating and useful read, and offers a much-needed fresh perspective on the potential for positive pathways to productivity and profitability in the law. The book will appeal to future-facing firms wanting to become magnets for the best talent and to enable all lawyers to be their best personally and professionally. It should be on the desk of every law firm partner. Morgan Lewis is proud to claim Anne as one of its own and applauds her important contribution to our profession!" -- Jami Wintz McKeon, Chair, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
