The role of emotional intelligence has recently become a live issue in the Association of Corporate Counsel in Canada - particularly in response to suggestions that the area is over-rated for its importance. But Norma Formanek, GG of Trilliant Networks, said: 'In-house lawyers can break down boundaries by [positioning] themselves as helpers to their colleagues, as someone who supports them and helps them through the difficult decisions they need to make. If you can deliver a tough message constructively and without an excess of emotion, you don’t drive people underground [to the point] where they don’t want to share problems with you.'

Reduce risk

She believes that some lawyers are held back by their lack of communication and empathy skills. LaKeisha Marsh, counsel of TCS Education System in Chicago, said: 'If you want to minimize risk upfront, you need open dialogue with the other business units otherwise you’ll never be able to be proactive.' Source: Canadian Lawyer Magazine