Making Virtual Teams Work

Increasingly, there’s a need for lawyers to work in teams. But there’s a problem: The unique personality traits of lawyers equip them to be superb at practicing law, but inhibit their success in teams. This is even more pronounced when teams are virtual. Fortunately, emerging social science principles provide us with 5 actionable strategies that can produce teamwork despite these barriers. In this session, Dr. Larry Richard will explain:

• Why it’s increasingly important for lawyers to work in teams
• The 5 most important principles for creating high-performing teams
• The “Uncertainty Principle” and why it matters
• The 4 Stages of team development, and why you ignore them at your peril
• The 3 important adjustments that must be made when your teams are virtual
• The surprising research on experts in teams
• The even more surprising research on the role of gender in teams

About the Presenter:

Dr. Larry Richard is recognized as the leading expert on the psychology of lawyer behavior. He has advised dozens of AmLaw 200 law firms on leadership, management, and related issues such as teams, change management, talent selection, assessment, and other aspects of strategic talent management. Widely known as an expert on the lawyer personality, he has gathered personality data on thousands of lawyers.