In the recent In-House Connect webinar “Influence Mastery for In-House Counsel,” Sean Callagy and Michael Smikun of Callagy Law, shared transformative insights into mastering influence in the legal and corporate worlds. Through their unique approach and compelling personal stories, they provided a fresh perspective on effective communication and relationship-building.

Here are the top five takeaways from the session:

• The Power of Reframing Communication

The recent webinar highlighted the importance of adopting a new paradigm for communication, especially in challenging situations where influence may be difficult to exert. By redefining terms such as respect, leadership, and management, in-house counsel can greatly enhance their ability to influence federal judges, corporate executives, clients, and sales leaders.

• Authentic and Transparent Influence

The discussion underscored the value of transparency and integrity in communication. By building trust through authenticity and openness, legal professionals can cultivate more meaningful and impactful relationships within their professional circles.

• Creating Safe and Trusting Environments

Another key point was the necessity of fostering a company culture where individuals feel safe to express their opinions and concerns. This involves saying “yes” whenever possible and creating trust within the organization, which can help shift the perception of the legal department from a cost center to a valuable partner.

• Energy, Enthusiasm, and Maintaining Boundaries

To ensure their voices are heard effectively, legal practitioners were encouraged to bring energy and enthusiasm to their interactions while also maintaining healthy boundaries. This approach helps others feel seen, heard, and understood, fostering a more collaborative environment.

• Aligned Empowerment and Understanding Others

The webinar introduced a three-pronged model consisting of loyalty to the stated mission, masterful competence, and aligned empowerment. Understanding and acknowledging others’ perspectives are essential for achieving shared goals. This model is designed to assess alignment dynamics and enhance influence within professional relationships.

By adopting these invaluable lessons, in-house counsel can enhance their professional growth, build meaningful relationships, and lead more successful careers. 

Missed The Webinar?  You can watch it now via IHC On-Demand!