Leadership (& Job Success) Is Pursuit

By Susanne Aronowitz
Associate Dean for Law Career Services

According to Mike Myatt, a leadership advisor to CEOs and corporate boards, and the author of Leadership Matters, “One of the most often overlooked aspects of leadership is the need for pursuit….Pursuit leads to attainment. What you pursue will determine the paths you travel, the people you associate with, the character you develop, and ultimately, what you do or don’t achieve. Having a mindset focused on pursuit is so critical to leadership that lacking this one quality can sentence you to mediocrity or even obsolescence. The manner, method, and motivation behind any pursuit is what sets truly great leaders apart from the masses. If you want to become a great leader, become a great pursuer.”

His advice rings true for job seekers, too. The most effective job hunters (that is, those who ultimately find positions that enable them to perform at their best) know what they are seeking, and they are intentional and focused in their efforts to obtain those jobs.

While your initial pursuit may be centered around finding a job, once you land it, the focus must shift to pursuing excellence within your career. The best lawyers are not complacent; they actively hone their skills and deepen their expertise for the benefit of their clients and colleagues. As Myatt says, “the best leaders pursue being better leaders.”

As we approach the new year, think about what you are pursuing. Do your actions support your intentions?