If the word “communication” conjures up visions of a telephone ringing, a blackberry buzzing or the intercom beeping, it is certainly time to widen your view of interacting with the world. High among the skills crucial to an associate’s success is the ability to communicate. It permeates every aspect of an attorney’s workday. While the most obvious forms of communication involve the written and spoken word, just as critical are the behavioral characteristics people evaluate in order to determine an associate’s potential for success. The term “situational intelligence” might best describe this range of skills and abilities.
Success is often determined not only by the research projects and analytic work that you are responsible for but also by the interaction you have with others in the office and outside – including clients. Associate evaluations often include a substantial segment on “fit” or the ability to work as part of a team. The skills being evaluated in this context are directly related to your ability to both communicate and interact well with others.
