In an era of rampant technological advancements and induced paradigm shifts, transformation at an organizational level is no longer just an option, but a necessary survival strategy. As revealed during a fascinating legal operations discourse recently, the clichéd advice of “Doing as you’re told”, may not be the golden rule for legal professionals anymore, at least not in its traditional sense.
Illustrating the changing dynamics, two luminaries of legal operations, one of them being Jenn McCarron- the Legal Operations Chief at Netflix, discussed the importance of identifying and remedying legal issues that lawyers might be oblivious to. As reported by Law.com, McCarron stressed upon the importance of encouraging initiative and out-of-the-box thinking instead of adhering blindly to established processes and procedures.
In McCarron’s view, the legal fraternity is not immune to the all-too-common issue of becoming engrossed in one’s existing situation and failing to recognize inherent problems. The solution she offered was to cultivate a zeal for change, however, she cautioned that it should be exercised responsibly to prevent people from feeling overwhelmed. As she succinctly put it, it’s great to be a “passion rocket,” but care should be taken to ensure that others do not end up feeling “torpedoed” by you.
Needless to say, McCarron’s insights hold value not just for legal operations, but for anyone involved in a professional environment where change is constant. The ability to identify and solve hidden issues before they spiral out of control can be a valuable skill, whether you’re at the helm of a global corporation or a young legal throbbing with potential. Understanding the importance of this approach is crucial in navigating the treacherous waters of the constantly evolving landscape of the legal industry.