⏳Today: Don't Miss It!

This barrister was a nightmare.

Everyone knew it. 

He turned every mediation into a marathon of posturing and ego (directed at the mediator, too).
 
I was warned about him.

From the start of the mediation that day, I could feel it building inside me—the 'professional pressure' combined with personal frustration.

 My job as a mediator was to remain neutral, keep the process (and people performing well) to move them forward, and help the parties settle.

But honestly? Every fibre of me wanted to shut him down, HARD. 🤐

I had three choices: 
- pretend I was completely unaffected (the "professional" thing to do)
- put him in his place with force and control
- acknowledge what everyone in the room already felt.

I chose #3 - honesty.

I called him into a private room and spoke to him as one human being to another, acknowledging that we were both under pressure and that this was challenging for everyone. I asked how we could approach this to make it better for everyone, and involved him in the solution.

When we returned, the interactions, the atmosphere, and the entire dynamic shifted.

 Even 'Mr. Impossible' dialled it back and became more cooperative.

The case settled in record time.

The other barrister said to me, "I don't know what you did or said, but today was different with X".

Here's what nobody tells you about leadership:

Your technical skills are assumed. 
They're why you're in the room. 

But your ability to acknowledge reality—including your humanity—while maintaining respect? That's what separates competent lawyers from trusted leaders.

Being honest and transparent communicators? That's trusted leadership.

Join me today (5 pm AEST, July 2nd 2025) when I'll share the Trusted Leader Framework, which isn't available in any other leadership training - a barrister designed it for legal professionals.  ⏳ Register HERE