From Great Lawyer to Great Leader: Building Mindset and Emotional Intelligence in Law Firms
Leadership in law firms has evolved. It’s no longer just about legal expertise — it’s about emotional intelligence, mindset, and the ability to create a culture where your team can thrive.
In our recent Leadership Mindset session with Midja Fisher, we explored the tools and frameworks that help law firm owners step out of reactive management and into confident, intentional leadership.
Key Insights from the Session
1. Why Self-Awareness is the Foundation of Leadership
Midja highlighted that emotional intelligence (EQ) starts with self-awareness. Leaders who understand their emotions and reactions can influence their firm’s culture more effectively.
- Self-awareness: Recognising how your emotions impact your leadership.
- Self-management: Redirecting unhelpful thinking patterns.
- Social awareness: Understanding your team’s perspectives.
- Relationship management: Inspiring and guiding your team with clarity.
Without this foundation, leaders risk making reactive decisions that erode trust and performance.
2. The See-Do-Get Model: Breaking Limiting Cycles
Midja introduced the See-Do-Get model, a simple way to understand how mindset shapes results:
- See: Your beliefs shape how you see situations.
- Do: Those beliefs drive your behaviour.
- Get: Your actions create results that reinforce your beliefs.
Shifting your “lens” is the first step to breaking unproductive leadership patterns.
3. Above-the-Line vs. Below-the-Line Thinking
Effective leaders learn to stay “above the line”:
- Above the line: Curious, open, and committed to growth.
- Below the line: Defensive, reactive, and blame-focused.
The key is recognising when you drop below the line and using practical tools to shift your mindset back up.
4. The SCARF Model: Understanding Triggers
Midja also explored Dr David Rock’s SCARF model, which helps leaders identify and manage emotional triggers:
- Status: Feeling respected.
- Certainty: Having clarity.
- Autonomy: Maintaining control.
- Relatedness: Feeling connected.
- Fairness: Believing in equity.
Understanding these triggers allows you to lead with empathy and strengthen team trust.
5. Practical Tools to Shift Your Leadership Mindset
- Reframing: Challenge unhelpful thoughts and replace them with evidence-based beliefs.
- Creating space: Use strategies like Adam Fraser’s “Third Space” — reflect, rest, and reframe before your next task.
- Circle of Influence: Focus on what you can control and let go of what you can’t.
These tools help law firm owners lead with clarity instead of reacting from stress.
Key Takeaway
Shifting from great lawyer to great leader isn’t about knowing every answer — it’s about cultivating self-awareness, building emotional intelligence, and showing up as the leader your team needs. When you master this mindset, you create a thriving culture and a firm that runs with strength and confidence.
What’s Next: Session 2 – Leadership Presence
Join us for the next session in our Leadership Series, where Midja will teach you how to develop leadership presence and show up with confidence — even in challenging moments.
Friday, 29 August at 9:00 AM AEST
Scalable Law Lounge Kajabi Portal (Live Room)
Exclusive to Accelerator Program members. Join now to grow as a leader and secure your spot in this session today.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or business advice. For tailored guidance, seek professional advice specific to your circumstances.
