Inside The Edge
About
The Executive Chair
The one question you always want to ask a successful person in a senior leadership role is “How did you get there?” In developing your own career, you learn more from hearing what worked – and didn’t work – from senior leaders and hearing their wisdom than from any other source.
We are embarking on a series of interviews with leaders who exemplify success for us. In their words are insights that can give you direction for moving your own career forward.
To read a summary, written by Michael DeVenney, of the past 12 interviews this year - click here.
| John Rogers - Understand Yourself and the People Around You |
Bluteau DeVenney and Company (BDCO): What did you do to move to a leadership role?John Rogers (JR): There was no specific or planned path. Looking back, I never expected to be in the role I am today. I think it was simply doing a good job at whatever task that I was involved in, enjoying those opportunities immensely, learning a lot along the way, and then looking ahead to the next step and opportunity. (BDCO): What is one thing that developing professionals need to do more of?(JR): It is critical for every professional, regardless of their role, to develop a deep understanding of themselves and a better understanding of those they work for and with. It really comes down to knowing your own strengths and weaknesses and learning what you need to develop, as well as recognizing your audience and understanding how they work and what you can do to help them succeed. You really need to know how to work effectively together to be successful at whatever it is you are trying to accomplish, regardless of whether the relationship is personal or professional. (BDCO): What about doing less of?(JR): Get out from behind your desk, your laptop, and your blackberry. Engage with people to help understand them, their business or organization, and the issues that they are facing. If you do that you are going to make a connection with them, build a relationship with them, and be better able to assist them with whatever issues they are dealing with. Developing a good understanding of the people and businesses you are serving will enhance your role in helping people with their problems. (BDCO): What experience helped you the most in your career and why?(JR): I have benefited most from the tremendous number of role models and mentors in our organization. Our long term commitment to fostering mentoring relationships is important at Stewart McKelvey. It is part of the culture, and it is what has made the firm such a success for generations. We have so many excellent leaders at Stewart McKelvey, and I have had the advantage of learning a great deal from each of them about leadership in the profession, leadership in business, as well as leadership in the community. (BDCO): What was the greatest challenge moving your career forward?(JR): I would not say that there was any real challenge or obstacle. I have spent virtually all of my working career at Stewart McKelvey. I have felt very fortunate to always have enjoyed every day. Our firm believes in investing in people for the long term, which has resulted in great opportunities for everyone to learn and develop. In that kind of positive and supportive environment, you don't see things as obstacles. There are certainly small, day-to-day issues that you deal with along the way, but nothing that would make you feel like you are being held back from reaching your full potential. (BDCO): What is the greatest strength of your approach to leadership?(JR): I believe in developing people; being surrounded by bright, engaged and creative people is invigorating. As I mentioned previously, our organization believes in investing in people for the long-term. The investment in our lawyers and staff has paid huge dividends, and will continue to pay dividends in the future. (BDCO): What has been the biggest surprise you have had since attaining a senior leadership role?(JR): I am always surprised by the tremendous reinforcement I get each and every year when our new students arrive at the firm. Their enthusiasm and excitement reminds me of how fortunate I am to work at a firm like Stewart McKelvey. It also serves to reinforce the work we are doing in creating a culture of excellence in client service and our commitment to our community. While all of this should not come as a surprise to me anymore, but it still does every year! I don't mind though, because it is a welcome surprise. (BDCO): What is the greatest benefit to you in attaining a senior leadership role?(JR): It is exciting to be a part of something big and watch what an organization can do by creating the right environment with the right people on the team. It is fulfilling to participate in the development of the leading law firm and in the development of future leaders. At Stewart McKelvey, we get to make contributions to other businesses and organizations - all of which help to grow our province and make Nova Scotia a better place to live. (BDCO): What is the next achievement you want in your leadership career?(JR): That has never been the approach that I have taken. I enjoy my job immensely and that is what I am focused on at the moment. I also get great enjoyment from my volunteer work with a number of different organizations, so I will continue to work with those groups in my spare time. (BDCO): What is the biggest challenge you face in achieving results in your work?(JR): Staying focused on the priorities. The day can get filled very quickly with many tasks that can consume too much time and energy. To be truly successful, you need to determine how you are going to allocate your time and attention, and apply a filter to everything that comes across your desk in order to ensure that you stay focused on key priorities. (BDCO): What is your greatest opportunity/goal for providing value for your organization?(JR): We need to continue investing in our people by providing everyone at the firm with every opportunity to grow and develop. This investment allows us to provide our clients with the best service possible. Our history has shown us that if we continue this focus we will be a stronger and more competitive organization, and will remain in a leadership position. (BDCO): What added support or capability would help you the most in delivering on your goals?(JR): We have a tremendously strong team that is focused on managing and growing the firm. The more leaders that we can develop and the stronger we can make that team, the more effective and successful Stewart McKelvey will be in the long run.
Think about where you are now in your career and what you can take from John’s observations. We would love to hear your comments about what are your key takeaways from our conversation with John. Tell us your progress – we want you to succeed. ______________________________________________________________
Stewart McKelvey is Atlantic Canada's first and largest regional law firm. In the past twenty years, it has grown to become one of the 20 largest law firms in Canada, with more than 220 lawyers and 350 staff members in six locations across Atlantic Canada. You can find out more about Stewart McKelvey at www.stewartmckelvey.com. |
