1. We are more empathetic: right off the bat, I genuinely believe one of the biggest benefits of COVID has been that we’ve become more empathetic – toward both our internal and external clients, as well as our fellow team members.
2. We communicate better: turns out that individual silos can be a good thing – it’s when you have team silos that problems start to occur.
3. Personal space is actually a good thing: we are more respectful of others, more understanding – we get that people are human and have competing priorities – such a pick-up time.
4. We are better listeners: “I forgot to unmute myself” was the standout term of 2020, but the reality is we have become better listeners through this lockdown process.
5. We are better at giving constructive feedback: I have had way more constructive feedback (both good and bad) during COVID that I ever did in the 25 years prior to it. And not only has the quality of the feedback improved, but also the frequency in which it is given has improved dramatically too.
6. We use technology better: actually it might not be that use technology better, but more that we are using the right tech tools for the problem at hand better.
7. More team fun: not sure about you, but I don’t think I have been to as many team virtual quizzes or Friday afternoon drinks as I have during COVID. A relentless approach to real team building has been a big win during the past two years.
8. Open door policy: we have become much better at having an open door policy with our team members. No question is too silly to ask these days!
9. Better project managers: juggling all of the complexities of living and working from home has made us much better project managers. We have also become much better at prioritising what is truly important in the moment.
10. Last but not least, we are far more trusting that our team members are doing what they say they are doing. Monitoring other people at work now tells them that you don’t trust them; leave them alone to get their shit done on the other hand, and you may very well be surprised with the results!

As for my prediction:

A tight labour market is going to continue into 2022 and hiring ‘talent’ will be difficult. This doesn’t just apply to lawyers, but to anyone who works in the legal industry.

Have a great Christmas, New Year and Holiday Season all – and thanks for continuing to read and support this blog.

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Image courtesy of Sincerely Media