In today’s business environment, the role of a general counsel (GC) extends far beyond traditional legal ability. As we’ve heard in many conversations over the years, the general counsel is no longer just “the lawyer in the room”. While being a capable lawyer is fundamental, it’s only the starting point. To effectively lead an in-house legal team and advise the C-suite, a successful GC should possess a blend of strategic vision, analytical prowess, leadership capabilities, and exceptional interpersonal skills.
Strategic Vision
A successful GC must have a strategic vision that aligns legal strategies with broader business goals. This comes from the relationships, trust and confidence they’ve built with the executive team, board of directors and functional heads. It involves understanding the company’s goals and crafting legal frameworks that support and drive decision making. The ability to foresee potential legal challenges and opportunities, and to integrate this foresight into the company’s strategic planning, is crucial.
Analytical Skills
Strong analytical skills, including the ability to dissect complex legal issues, interpret regulations, and anticipate the implications of legal decisions on the business, are indispensable. Analytical acumen enables GCs to give insightful advice that balances legal considerations with business realities.
Leadership Skills
The GC needs to navigate the grey spaces, operate in pressured situations, and lead during those key transition points. This role requires the ability to inspire and lead a legal team, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and navigate the intricate dynamics of corporate governance. This can be an uncomfortable place to sit. However, the benefit of the GC role is to identify where the tensions are, to see how they play out and to be prepared. They can then step into a role of mediator to allow for clearer conversation. Effective leadership also involves mentoring junior lawyers and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and ethical practice.
Relationship Building
Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders is essential. A GC must be adept at influencing and driving buy-in from the board, executive team, and external partners. This requires a deep understanding of stakeholder perspectives and the ability to communicate legal concepts in a clear and compelling manner.
Communication Skills
Exceptional communication skills are a hallmark of an effective GC. Is your internal brand consistent? How do you show up and how clear is your messaging? This includes the ability to articulate a clear vision, convey complex legal information in an accessible way, and advocate for the company’s interests both internally and externally.
Cultural Awareness and Emotional Intelligence
High levels of cultural awareness and emotional intelligence (EQ) are vital. A GC must navigate diverse cultural contexts and understand the nuances of interpersonal dynamics – enabling them to resolve conflicts, and lead with empathy and integrity.
Key Requirements for Success
To succeed, a GC must act as a bridge between various stakeholders, ensuring that legal considerations are integrated into all aspects of the business. Proactivity is key; predicting challenges and acting as a problem solver rather than merely a decision maker sets top GCs apart. A focus on outcomes, staying updated with legal and industry developments, and building trust through integrity are critical.
The role of a GC is multifaceted, requiring a blend of legal expertise, strategic insight, leadership, and strong interpersonal skills. By embodying these attributes, GCs can effectively navigate the complexities of their role and contribute significantly to their organisation’s success.
