Getting into Character

I just read an interesting post on Kottke.org titled, “Getting into Character.” It talks about how actors, athletes, and business people wear two different hats – a private one and a job one.

Many of us see our parents do this to a degree when we are growing up. There is an added awareness, more than anything, of where they are and what has to be done.

I think back to my time at Ruckus and K12 knowing that I could have cultivated and displayed a more consistent work persona. I worked hard and was attentive, creative and efficient, but these things varied from week to week. (This ties in with the concept of having a defined approach to work.) What I’m trying to say is that I was not always able to get into character and stay there all day.

As a lawyer-to-be, I’ve been thinking about interacting with clients. Regardless of what area of law I end up practicing, one of the most important aspects of both being successful (garnering clients) and being effective (doing good word for my clients) will be getting into a consistently professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate character while working.

Published by

Chris

Attorney & Amateur Golfer

One thought on “Getting into Character”

  1. Agreed. I think that’s half of what you’ll be getting paid for. There’s also the additional twist: your character might need to be a chameleon. You might have to be a different character in different situations, “all things to all people.” That skill could likely be more valuable than your memo-writing abilities, particularly in later years of your career. There’s an episode of Seinfeld where George starts acting and speaking like some Texas businessmen. It’s certainly over-played for comedy, but I think there’s something to that.

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