4 work habits non-lawyers can glean from Suits

The pandemic has given me a lot of “quality time” with Netflix. Through 2020 while simultaneously looking for lively chatter and nostalgic mask-free workplaces, void of pyjama bottoms at the office, I decided to rewatch nine seasons of Suits. Here are the take-aways from comfort-watching a TV show that lawyers and otherwise can carry over to the workplace.

1. Get a dictaphone, or acquainted with personal voice notes.

à la Louis Litt, get your spontaneous ideas on the record. Why is this better than keeping a notebook by your bed? Our creativity is often sparked while we’re doing something routine, like taking a shower or washing dishes, not only in dreams. You might not stop to put pen to paper and take the time to write sufficient details, but you will in a voice note to yourself. Besides, you already have your phone with you all the time, and not a notebook. 

How can you make sure these notes don’t just sit gathering digital dust? I set a calendar reminder to listen to my voice notes once a week. When I listen back a week later, not all my ideas are that great but some will be actionable gems.

2. Have a confidente that keeps you true to your mission.

I certainly wish I had a witty yet empathetic Donna in my life, but I do have a less fictional someone who lets me know when I’m not making a wise choice. Find that person in your life and run your professional development ideas past them (especially those spontaneous voice note ideas!) periodically. 

Not only do Pearson Spectre’s employees think this is a good idea; Brené Brown also wrote about getting clear who’s ideas really matter to you, and requesting those people keep you in check in her book Dare to Lead. Having this person in your workplace, however, has drawbacks. Your chosen confidente needs to have your best interests at heart and be impartial to your choices that might affect the office..

3. If your instinct says it’s a good idea, keep digging.

Harvey never gives up when he knows he’s right. While endearing on screen, this can grate on people around you who simply see you ignoring feedback. What we can all learn from his persistency is that it can be worth continuing to actively investigate an idea.

As long as you’re not going over anyone’s head or using company time to explore something you’ve been told to let go, there’s no harm in continuing to discreetly test your theory or identify real solutions to the problems perceived by those who told you “no”. Now might not be the right time for that idea, but if 2020 taught us anything it’s that the world can pivot on a dime.

4. Know when to notify you’re taking downtime.

Rachel Zane was rebuffed on her request for a day off, as she was juggling school and high-paced work. Don’t take no for an answer and don’t ask with hesitation. Know your own limits and don’t stay at work for appearance’s sake if your contribution will be negative or null. You’ll do damage to your health, and won’t add anything to your reputation by producing sub-par work.

This is one of the hardest things for me to do so, will you join me in 2021 challenging yourself to know when to take some downtime?