Lead with Impact for Legal Leaders - Build unwavering trust in your first 90 days.

How effective in-house legal leaders build the foundation for success in their first 90 days often determines their long-term impact on the organization.

In this critical period, it can feel like every move counts, every decision is scrutinized, and every word spoken can set the tone for their tenure.

The pressure can feel immense, but the right approach can also be the launchpad for a successful and fulfilling tenure.

Here's how to navigate those first three months with precision and purpose.

The Story of Sarah: A New In-House Leader's Journey

*Sarah had always been ambitious, but taking on a senior in-house legal leader role at a leading tech company was her next career leap.

She knew the first 90 days would be crucial for her reputation and the future of the legal team she was now leading. As she sat in her new office, overlooking the bustling SF city skyline, she felt the weight of the responsibility on her shoulders. She knew she had to hit the ground running, but more importantly, she needed to build trust, establish her authority, and align her team with the company's strategic goals.

*Sarah is real, but names have been changed to respect confidentiality. Her journey offers valuable insights for any in-house legal leader stepping into a new role.

Tip 1: Listen More Than You Speak

In those first few weeks, Sarah made it a point to listen intently during every meeting. Whether it was with her team, C-suite executives, or outside counsel, she understood the importance of gathering information before making any significant decisions. Listening allowed her to understand the company's culture, her team's challenges, and her new colleagues' expectations. By resisting the urge to impose her ideas immediately, she built rapport and demonstrated respect for the work already being done.

Implementation: Hold one-on-one meetings with each team member. Ask open-ended questions to understand their roles, challenges, and aspirations. Use this time to observe the team dynamics and identify areas where your leadership can add the most value.

Tip 2: Establish Quick Wins

Understanding the urgency of demonstrating value, Sarah identified a few low-hanging fruits—issues that could be resolved quickly and would have a visible impact on the team and the company.

One such opportunity was streamlining the contract review process, which had been a bottleneck for the sales team. She reduced turnaround times by 30% in just a few weeks by implementing a few strategic changes. This boosted her credibility and earned her the trust of key stakeholders.

Implementation: Identify key pain points within or between the legal team and other departments. Choose a few that can be addressed quickly and deliver measurable results. Communicate these successes to your team and stakeholders to build momentum.

Tip 3: Align Legal Strategy with Business Goals

One of Sarah's first tasks was to sit with the CEO and CFO to understand the company's strategic objectives for the next few years. She knew that aligning the legal department’s efforts with these goals was essential for the success of the company and her role as an in-house legal leader.

This alignment allowed her to position the legal team as a strategic partner rather than just a cost center. It also helped her prioritize the team’s work, ensuring they focused on initiatives to drive the company forward.

Implementation: Schedule a strategic meeting with the C-suite to discuss the company’s long-term goals. Use this information to develop a legal strategy that supports these objectives. Ensure your team understands how their work contributes to the larger business picture.

Tip 4: Build Relationships, Not Just Networks

Sarah knew building relationships was more than just shaking hands and exchanging business cards. She needed deep, meaningful relationships with her team, peers, and key organizational stakeholders. This involved more than just talking about work; it meant understanding what motivated them, their challenges, and how she could support them. By investing time in these relationships, she created a network of allies committed to her success as much as their own.

Implementation: Go beyond formal meetings. Take the time to have informal conversations over coffee or lunch. Show genuine interest in the people you work with professionally and personally. Remember, these relationships will be crucial when you need initiative support.

Tip 5: Communicate Vision with Clarity and Confidence

One of the most critical moments in Sarah’s first 90 days was her first all-hands meeting with the legal team. This was her opportunity to communicate her department's vision and inspire the team to follow her lead. She crafted a clear, concise message aligned with the company’s mission. She also addressed the concerns she had heard in her one-on-one meetings, showing the team that she had been listening and was ready to act.

Implementation: Prepare for your first team meeting with the same diligence as you would a major presentation. Clearly articulate your vision and how it aligns with the company’s goals. Address any immediate concerns or challenges you’ve identified. This will set the tone for your leadership and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Tip 6: Prioritize Your Well-Being

In her drive to succeed, Sarah almost overlooked one critical aspect—her well-being. The long hours, the pressure to perform, and the constant need to prove herself began to take a toll. Fortunately, she realized early on that if she didn’t take care of herself, she wouldn’t be able to lead effectively.

Sarah made a conscious effort to maintain a healthy work-life balance, set boundaries, and take time to recharge. This improved her performance and set a positive example for her team.

Implementation: Schedule regular breaks, prioritize your physical health, and set clear boundaries between work and personal time. Remember, your effectiveness as a leader is directly tied to your well-being. Model this behavior to encourage your team to do the same.

Your Power Play

The first 90 days are not just about surviving; they are about strategically positioning yourself and your team for long-term success. By listening, delivering quick wins, aligning with business goals, building relationships, communicating clearly, and taking care of yourself, you can lay the foundation for a successful tenure as an in-house legal leader.

Call to Action

What steps are you taking to ensure your first 90 days are a success?

Reach out to me for a complimentary coaching session to help you confidently navigate this crucial period.

PS: Success starts with the right strategy.