Officially Speaking

Tips for Law Student Division Leaders-and Their Followers

Interpersonal relationships and communication skills are tricky things, especially for leaders. While I have always striven to be clear and forthright, my three sisters say that I am just blunt. (I prefer to call it "plain speaking.") For those of you who would like to add to your toolbox of skills, here is some advice I have gathered:

Focus. The force that resonates from focus is awesome. The best student leaders I have known first define for themselves what they stand for so they can articulate that vision concisely to others. Leaders who constantly waver from their principles only confuse their followers. Whether it's in the storm of controversy or in calm seas, a leader who stays focused on his or her vision is effective.

Consistent communication. Information is power. I hate not being "in the know" when I am supposed to be. Like everyone else, I assume that if I hear nothing, nothing must be happening. It is difficult to keep everyone up to date on current events, especially because the Law Student Division's scope reaches far and wide.

If you are a leader or leader-to-be, it is vital that you set aside time every day to make and respond to e-mail and phone calls. If you are new to the Law Student Division, start subscribing to the List Serves from the division's Web site at http://www.abanet.org/lsd. The listervs are the best place to keep a finger on the division's pulse and to ask students at other law schools how they address issues similar to your own. (For more information on the division's online discussion groups, and to learn how to subscribe, see page 44 of the October 1998 issue of Student Lawyer.)

Trust. Most Law Student Division members are Type A personalities. We are so used to doing it all ourselves that we forget there are other students who are looking for a role to fill. Trust wisely, however, and delegate smaller tasks first and then, gradually, larger tasks. To those who are looking for tasks, continue to build your relationships with those who are busy. Eventually you will find something that needs to be done.

Be brief. Do not preface your comments and letters with "I'll be brief." Just do it. Be people savvy. The single most important asset of a good leader is being people savvy, or being well-versed in what I like to call the "practical art of understanding human behavior."

Good leaders know their reputations are based on how they behave toward others. Above-average leaders will deliver what they promise and have absolute integrity, promptness and cordiality. The exceptionally savvy leader realizes that leadership success depends on the simple things that are often overlooked: humility; keeping a finger on the pulse of constituents' joys and concerns; the personal touch of thank yous to others; and listening to those who will give an honest opinion. These small gestures have the greatest impact because they personally recognize the recipient. A sincere word of apology promptly given or appreciation for an effort made has more value and gains more loyalty than money could ever buy.

Finally, the most important thing about interacting with others is to respect yourself and others, and to believe that if you put positive energy out there, it will come back a hundredfold.

Victoria E. Wu
Law Student Division Delegate
Capital University Law School
vwu@law.capital.edu