Mindset: Partner

Mindset. I’ve been a partner for 20 days. I don’t have hindsight to help me outline what the focus of this new phase should be.

I’m trying to be a sponge and take it all in. With that, I have goals for this first year: invest + own.

To start, not much will change. The foundation built as a junior, mid-level, and senior associate will help me maintain momentum in this new stage. I will continue billing, litigating, mentoring, recruiting, and networking. Earning interest on past investments and continuing investing where I know it has paid off already.

And I will own: I am now an owner of the firm. This mindset is the most intriguing to me. I’m listening, learning, applying. I’m hiring a coach and tapping into my firm’s coaches (business + professional development).

I’m figuring out what it means by asking questions, taking advice, and accepting more responsibility. I’m also focused on leading by example and being the kind of partner I hope associates trust and learn from.

Not a whole lot changes with life’s big achievements, but this one feels different. Psychologically, a weight has lifted. The hard work continues. The hours will remain long. But it is a different kind of feeling and I welcome it.

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