Are you reaching your full potential?

How many people or companies have you met that talk a great game and then let you down? I’m guessing it’ll be more than one. Their mantra is to close sales, hit targets and do whatever it takes to get people signing on the dotted line. I have nothing but respect for them and wish them well, although they will probably achieve their targets without my good wishes.

I’d like to talk to you about another way of operating, which was epitomised by those attending the 2k Tiger Legal Network event on Tuesday13th November. The theme of this event, related by our speaker Gary Armstrong during the evening, was how to develop yourself and then help develop others.

The event was set up by Will Taborn of Taborns and myself, with the aim of providing a networking experience for those connected to the legal sector, but a different kind of networking experience - not just the usual glass of wine and canapés. The team involved in putting on this event certainly provided an evening that will live long in the memory. This was entirely due to the combined excellence of our speakers and partners.

Left, restaurateur and chef, Enzo Oliveri. Right, Sommelier Carlo Attisano

First, there was our host, the well-known restaurateur and chef, Enzo Oliveri from Tasting Sicily. Enzo and his team delivered a buffet composed of treats and dishes that were simple yet delicious - including my favourite, arancini balls followed by fresh pasta.

I’ve dined at Enzo’s several times now, but this was the first business event I have attended there. The service the team provided was flawless and there was a sense of passion in everything they did - demonstrating why they are such a successful operation. Their photographic ‘wall of fame’ is testament to the power of being exceptional at what you do and is well worth a look if you pop into the restaurant.

Expert, Gary Armstrong, Head of Learning and Organisational Development at GSK

Central to the success of the event was a Q&A session with Gary Armstrong, entitled ‘Developing You, Developing Others’. It provided guests with an insight into the mindset and behaviours exhibited by high performers. Amongst topics Gary covered were issues such as ‘what is development?’ and ‘how to assess development’, together with his tips for reaching your full potential and how to bring this out in others.

The three takeaway points that I picked up were:

1)   Be very clear about where you wish to go. Understand where you are now and explore how to get to where you want to go. Develop a mindset focused on growth, of being open to new ways of doing things, and have an optimistic approach. These will feed a belief that you can achieve whatever you want to.

2)   Work with coaches and mentors to give you new ideas and fresh perspectives on what you can do to reach your objectives. Encourage them to challenge you, because challenges provide the energy that drives you.

3)   Take the time to reflect at moments of crisis or during difficult periods. You learn much more through defeat, reflecting on what happened, taking on board where you could make improvements, and then journaling the experience to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen again.

2k Tiger events often include an element of learning and an element of fun. On this occasion, we were treated to something really special, provided by Sommelier Carlo Attisano and arranged by London Brand Ambassador Neil Khagram. Carlo flew in from Italy especially to host a wine tasting for us, focusing on wines from the celebrated producer Castello Monte Vibiano.

We began by tasting some of the freshest olive oil you can get, and Carlo passed round samples of the Castello Monte Vibiano’s award-winning oils, coupled with balsamic vinegar. The olives were handpicked just four days before our event and it was a taste like no other.

Carlo’s passion and knowledge of these products shone through. The story he told about the history of the Castello has made me keen to visit and learn more about the cultivation of the grapes and the olives directly from their producer.

Castello Monte Vibiano wines are supplied to an amazing 86 airlines around the world, while Carlo has been employed as sommelier to several popes.

Guests Jamie Chamberlain and Stuart Lotherington enjoying a glass of Castello Monte Vibiano’s lovely Maria Camilla.

Our event partners and guests received valuable insights, not only about self-development and how to help others similarly, but also about being passionate and creating outstanding experiences. Hopefully my positive account conveys some of this to you. As a result, I feel that our community of legal network contacts has been positively strengthened. You can appreciate this from the comments I received following the event.

What our guests had to say …

“Thank you so much for hosting the event last night. It was one of the best (if not the best) networking events I have been to! It was so well thought out and organised, and the food and wine were exceptional.” 

Jessica Zama, Buckles Solicitors

“I thoroughly enjoyed the event last night. The interview with Gary Armstrong was really helpful and I particularly noted his comments about 70:20:10, where the 20 is mentoring, coaching, discussion with colleagues.”

John Coles, Travel-PA

If you would like to talk to 2k Tiger about growing your network or organising events for your clients or your team, please contact us at [email protected].

A video of the 2k Tiger Legal Network evening at Tasting Sicily, Enzo’s Kitchen can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/373500938