Although my discussion for today is about my experience as a legal practitioner, I think that colleagues from other professions will be able to relate with it.

The modern business world is characterized by the concepts of fair competition and globalization. The regulation of competition in different markets has transcended the domestic/territorial jurisdiction and culminated into internationally accepted standards. “It’s cut-throat out there” is a common phrase among business actors at different levels, which I am sure you have heard.

I have been taken to reminisce on how it was for me to break into the market as a legal practitioner. I could not have a huge billboard saying “hey, I am ready for the world, try me!” as practitioners in our jurisdiction are restricted by statute to advertise themselves in the same way as other businesses.

One day during my early days of practice, the Managing Partner of the firm I was working for called me to his office. As I walked in, I sensed that it was not the everyday discussion about how to approach a case we were retained to handle… because he didn’t have a file opened before him. There was, however, a pile of files on his side table, which was strange because the registry was in another room and he was not in the habit of pending work. A little confused but still holding my composure, I took the seat that I was offered.

He began by telling me how he thought I had worked hard in the firm and encouraged me to keep it up. He went on to say that he felt that I was ready to progress to the stage in the firm practice where I would receive a commission on paid bills…I was listening and happily so!

Profoundly, he went further to say that he realized that I needed to be given a push to usher me into the industry so that clients would be able to see me, not only as a lawyer in the firm, but also for the qualities and attributes he saw in me and those that were yet to develop. He then pointed to the pile of files on his desk and said to me that they were in relation to some of the high profile and paying clients of the firm and that I could take over conduct of them and receive a commission on bills paid for work that I would do on them.

I was reminded that the firm had deposited its trust in me and the responsibility to maintain relations with the clients by maintaining the quality of service and delivery lay with me towards the firm. Acting carelessly or negligently would impact the retention of the clients by the firm and destruction of relationships built over many years. At the conclusion of the meeting, I was thankful for the extraordinary gesture and felt a great sense of responsibility and gratitude to my leader.

I immediately got down to work and soon developed a sizable client base. Over the years, my commission per matter increased and I was motivated. I was on a roll!

I am sharing this piece because I think that it is important that people in positions to inspire development of talent should not end at training the talent if they have the means and opportunities to give them a push to “go get the world”. It should be seen as a mutually beneficial venture and a contribution towards progressive continuity in the industry. The potential that new talent may be competition, even to the people that “made” them is real, but it should not scare us into ignoring the fact that we are where we are, probably because someone magnanimously gave us a push.

How many tigers have you unleashed into the wide wild world by opening the cage door?

Thank you!