Why Work Style Matters When Hiring In-House Counsel
/The 4 types of work styles and how they can impact your organization
There are so many factors to consider when hiring attorneys these days. It’s no longer enough to simply be qualified on paper and have the necessary technical skills and practice-area experience to get the job done. Candidates are evaluated based on a variety of additional factors, including soft skills and personality traits.
One of these “soft” factors is work style, which determines how one functions in the workplace. Several distinct work styles explain how people tackle their responsibilities and how they prefer to operate.
Recognizing various work styles and what each one brings to the table will help you make better hiring decisions and ultimately build your ideal in-house legal team. Let’s take a look at what those work styles are and why they matter to your organization’s success.
The 4 major types of work styles
Although there are many names for each one, it’s widely accepted that there are four distinct work styles that are generally used to describe people. Keep in mind that these are not exclusive, and some individuals can have a combination of styles.
1. Action-oriented workers
These are the people who get things done. They thrive on solving problems and checking things off their lists in a logical way. They are very goal-oriented and perform well when given an objective. Risk doesn’t concern them too much, and they are willing to try new things.
On the other hand, action-oriented people can be too focused on one target. While trying to get things done, they may ignore important factors or other tasks. These individuals may be easily frustrated by teamwork. They prefer to act right away rather than discuss, consider the options, and delegate responsibility to others.
2. Big picture-oriented workers
These are your leaders. Big-picture employees are great at inspiring and motivating others. They are all about what’s possible and often don’t bat an eye at risks or limitations. They are where big ideas are born.
Most organizations have a leader who embodies this work style. They are great at coming up with ideas but aren't as good at considering all factors or planning out the details of how exactly that idea will work. Some may tend to jump into the unknown without a parachute, sometimes making spontaneous decisions.
3. Detail-oriented workers
These are the employees who keep everyone else on track. Detail-oriented people love plans. They think through every step, every possibility, and every risk. They are very risk-averse and deliberate in their actions.
As a consequence, detail-oriented individuals are slow to move. They can get stuck on one small detail or one unlikely possibility. They usually need a push from someone else to move on and get things done.
4. Emotionally-oriented workers
These are the people’s people. Emotionally-oriented employees are always attuned to the needs and desires of others. They aim to connect, build relationships, and please others. They can read between the lines and understand the nuances of situations very well.
Emotionally-oriented people may have trouble delivering tangible work, though. They get so caught up in supporting others that their own tasks may fall through the cracks at times.
Why work styles matter
As an employer looking to hire in-house counsel, you should understand various work styles so you can choose a candidate who rounds out your team and fills in the right gaps. Some of the objectives this can accomplish include:
Building a cohesive team
When employees don't get along, it leads to stress and lost productivity. Part of the tension that builds between employees is due to different work styles. An action-oriented person who wants to push the pedal to the metal can get very frustrated with a detail-oriented person who is still stopped at the green light.
When choosing an attorney to fill a new position, you need to get a sense of their work style early, so you can make a decision about whether it would strengthen or weaken the team.
Diversifying your staff
That being said, you need to have diverse work styles on staff to move things forward. Even if this new hire is the only in-house attorney, their style will still have to interact with the styles of other staff members.
It takes all kinds, as they say. An organization with nothing but big picture-oriented employees may come up with some of the greatest ideas in the industry. But they will fail without detail- and action-oriented individuals to put their ideas into practice. Similarly, a company that only has action-oriented leadership may struggle without emotionally-oriented workers who build camaraderie and relationships.
Filling in the gaps
Obviously, each of these work styles has specific strengths and weaknesses. If you are looking for an attorney with a certain skill set (hard and soft), identifying their work style may be one essential piece of the puzzle.
It is not recommended to hire someone with one work style, thinking you can guide them into a different one. It’s best to make hiring decisions based on a person’s preferences and strengths as they are now.
Executive search firms can determine a candidate’s skills—hard and soft, work style and beyond
Teams are stronger when they incorporate different work styles, experience, and hard skills. What one person misses, the other one catches. What another hates doing, someone else loves.
Carrington Legal can help you find the right candidates who will take your organization to the next level. We meet personally with you to understand your needs, and we also meet with each candidate to find the best talent for you.
Hiring in-house counsel with the right work style can strengthen your team tremendously. Whether you need someone with more leadership potential or a better emotional IQ, you must get it right—and we understand this need.
Carrington Legal Search is devoted to finding the ideal candidates for our clients’ recruitment needs. We have particular expertise in the Financial Services (banking, insurance, investment management, etc.) and Technology verticals. To make our nationwide network work for you, get in touch at 512-627-7467 or email carrie@carringtonlegal.com.