When creating the Fellows Program, we started with three simple premises:
Partnership and leadership are not the same thing.
The decision to elevate someone to the partnership is important and recognizes years of hard work, extraordinary legal acumen, and the ability to “wow” clients.
While a partner can certainly be a great leader, there is no automatic correlation between the two. Associates, staff, and others can be great leaders, and everyone must be empowered to share great ideas and lead from where they are.
Leadership can be taught.
Many believe that leadership is innate. This is a common but dangerous misperception.
First, the traits people usually refer to when describing a “natural born leader” relate more to their stage presence and physical characteristics (height, tone of voice, etc.) than their ability to articulate a clear and positive vision. This line of thinking also allows for implicit bias and therefore must be avoided.
To indulge this concept would also be to foreclose the merits of studying, discussing, and fostering leadership qualities in yourself and others. Even more troubling, it indulges an “us vs. them” mentality that should play no part in true leadership.
Leadership matters.
At its core, leadership is where cultures are won or lost; morale rises or falls; and vision is gained or sacrificed. Leadership is not relegated simply to those elected or appointed to a titled position - everyone can and should make a difference.
One of the most important functions of a leader is to include and empower different voices. Whether you're setting an internal vision for the future or coming up with a practical, real world solution for a client, the dialogue must include voices that reflect as many different experiences and viewpoints as possible.
The Fellows Program, therefore, must not only be truly diverse itself - it must challenge its participants to always ask, "what voices are missing from the discussion" and how to meaningfully add them to the conversation.
Soon after being named, AFS Fellows will attend a weekend retreat at the century-old Guggenheim estate located in Sands Point, New York.
Fellows will gain a greater understanding of the key concepts of effective leadership, gain personal growth and insight through self-assessment and meaningful group dynamics, and learn about their leadership styles through the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Skillscope 360-degree assessment.
The primary goals for Year One are increased knowledge about effective leadership, and for each Fellow to get to know their classmates on a deeper level.
In their second year, AFS Fellows will meet and discuss their "first year project" and work on their "second-year project." Both of these are impactful, can be accomplished without a significant time commitment, and strengthen the bonds between Fellows. These projects anchor core teachings from the program including the meaning of leadership and the value of mentorship/sponsorship.
AFS Fellows will also come together for a Second-Year Retreat at which they will have unique and powerful opportunities to meet and talk with firm leaders about critically important topics.
In their final year, Fellows will be asked to identify a major problem or issue facing the firm, develop and implement a workable, specific action plan to improve that situation, and formally present their successes and failures at a year-end meeting open to the entire firm.
The primary goal for Year Three is for each Fellow to learn that they are empowered to solve meaningful problems through creativity, teamwork, and advocacy.
The Fellows Program also creates new friendships and personal relationships between people who might not otherwise meet. These bonds outlast the formal program and add immeasurably to the AFS Fellows experience.
All interested associates in their fifth year or higher and counsel/partners in their first two years following their elevation are eligible to apply for the AFS Fellows Program. You must also have been at the firm at least one year before you apply.
Please contact M. Scott Peeler if you have any questions about the AFS Fellow Program.