Coaching
Upward and Onward: Memphis Lawyers and Mediators Keep the Movement Alive
The ADR section of the Memphis Bar has been actively pushing the local General Sessions Court to adopt a "Mediator of the Day" style project that is voluntary. One of the Judges created a special 9 am docket for pro se litigants every Wednesday. On that day one of the volunteer mediators offers pro bono mediation services to the litigants. First we explain why and what we are doing, then for those who are willing, we go to a conference room around the corner.
December Article of the Month - Coaching by Neil Olson
Coaching is a familiar term in sports but is being used in a new way, to talk about a new profession, addressing life and business issues. A coach is a professional trained in the arts of organization, communication, and interpersonal relationships. The coach is part motivator, part sounding board, and part taskmaster---all with a specific commitment to the individual’s values, goals and circumstances. A Coach may also be called on to work with a lawyer on problems or issues specific to the practice of law: to focus on client relationships or development; to deal with other lawyers, or to address the bench. In any case, coaching can help any lawyer become a more centered and focused person. Sounds nice, right? But coaching for lawyers? How on earth could a coach be of any practical assistance in the tough, competitive, analytical world of law?
To read the rest of the article, visit http://iahl.org
Communication Skills for Lawyers
Coaching has become more than a sports term in the past few years. Many business executives, lawyers, and even housewives now have personal coaches. Coaches support their clients in achieving goals. Many of the skills of coaching are also applicable to law practice. Below are some communication tips from the coaching profession that apply to law:
Listening skills:
1. The first rule of listening is to be present. That means you are actually there with the other person. You’re not mentally going over your to-do list while they’re talking. When you are really listening, you imagine what it might be like to live in their world. You allow the other person to share. You pay attention. You get the big picture. You don’t allow distractions. You listen to the other person rather than that ‘little voice’ in your head that is chattering away at you. You show some compassion.
Judge as Coach: Positive Coaching in the Courtroom
By Judge Michael A. Town
As a trial judge since 1979, I have presided over many cases involving adults and youths who made serious mistakes, were charged with criminal offenses, and needed to improve their lives. At key moments in these cases, including detention, sentencing, and review hearings, the judge must listen carefully to testimony about—and try to understand—the choices a defendant has made.
After processing this information, the judge must provide some clear direction on what the defendant must do to remain in the community or upon release from incarceration. These are teachable or coachable moments in the lives of the defendants and their families. Outcomes can be quite restorative and therapeutic when these directions are positively stated and understood, and defendants are open to change.
People are sometimes surprised when I tell them I am a trainer with Positive Coaching Alliance, a Stanford University-based nonprofit organization dedicated to “transforming youth sports so sports can transform youth.” They wonder what in the world judging has to do with coaching.
Phil Daunt: Transformational Lawyer
Part 2: Living a balanced life - wholeness includes emotion