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In Search of the New Professionalism Through Multi-Generational Lenses

By Phyllis Weiss Haserot
December 22, 2010

Differences in generational perspectives can bring frustrations, resentments, inefficiencies and threats to professionalism (“collideoscope”) ' but don't have to. Handled positively, differences can produce great creativity (“kaleidoscope”) with productive, engaging, harmonious, career-enhancing outcomes. I suggest we pursue sustainable professionalism within a flexible framework that still upholds ethical values. Our model must be dynamic to adjust to changing styles of competency models and leadership that appropriately suit each generation and foster collaboration.

Is your firm experiencing any of these symptoms?

  • Decrease in morale and increased workload with less work/life flexibility?
  • More than usual risk-averse behavior on the part of the attorneys?
  • Cutbacks in the training and coaching that especially the younger professionals need, but also needed by the mid-level-through-junior-partners groups that should be the foundation of the firm in future years?
  • Underlying tension among the generations (see sidebar below) regarding approaches to work, roles and facetime?
  • Neglect of succession planning for all critical roles, including all key client relationship leaders?

Exacerbated by recession, these symptoms are not just the result of short-term economic conditions. These are just a few of the signals that standards of professionalism are being sacrificed to short-term and reactive thinking. This should be a major concern today.

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