Better leadership isn’t just about strategy and results—it’s rooted in how well you take care of yourself. If you remember the fall of the Berlin Wall or lining up in person to register for college classes, you may have doubted whether younger generations understand hard work. But what if their approach to balance and well-being is actually the secret to stronger, more effective leadership?
Better Attorney Leadership Starts with Balance
Today’s workforce has shifted the definition of “the workday.” And surprisingly, the blurred lines between personal and professional life have highlighted one essential truth: your leadership capacity is only as strong as your personal well-being. This perspective isn’t about laziness—it’s about working smarter, not harder. Self-care is now a leadership skill, and better leadership begins with healthier habits.
Even for those still working a traditional 9-to-5, making space for personal wellness can lead to greater focus, energy, and impact at work.
What “Sunscreen Wisdom” Teaches Us About Better Leadership
You may recall Baz Luhrmann’s 1999 spoken-word anthem, The Sunscreen Song, adapted from Mary Schmich’s essay. Packed with unconventional advice, it has stood the test of time. Below, we’ve adapted that timeless guidance into 20 simple but powerful habits that can help anyone, from team members to managing partners, step into better leadership.
20 Habits That Support Better Leadership
-
Read more books. One per month. Let them stretch your thinking beyond headlines and hot takes.
-
Set and review goals. Break them down by day, week, and month. Revisit and adjust often.
-
Be present with loved ones. Silence your phone. Make time matter.
-
Lead with kindness. In small ways. With everyone.
-
Write daily reflections. Not for anyone else, just for you.
-
Listen actively. Leadership grows when others feel heard.
-
Make sleep a priority. No more bragging about late nights.
-
Talk to strangers. Community and insight often begin with “hello.”
-
Say your dreams aloud. Verbalising goals gives them power.
-
Wear what makes you feel your best. Confidence leads.
-
Reply to emails once opened. A small rule that builds consistency.
-
Let integrity guide decisions always, even when no one is watching.
-
Track your progress. Reflect on how far you’ve come.
-
Avoid toxic media. Your mindset deserves better.
-
Share your pain. Vulnerability creates deeper connections.
-
Walk daily. Moving your body moves your mindset.
-
Keep devices out of your bedroom. Protect your rest.
-
Pause once a day. Even one minute of calm resets your brain.
-
Guard your time. Say no when you need to.
-
Wear sunscreen. Literally and metaphorically—protect what matters.
Better Attorney Leadership Is Built Over Time
Trying to adopt all 20 habits at once isn’t necessary. Start small—pick two this week, then two next week. Track how they influence your productivity, mood, and relationships. These small shifts are what better leadership is made of—consistency, self-awareness, and intention.
Looking for a step-by-step framework to lead more effectively in your law firm? Our 66-Day Law Firm Turnaround is designed to help you and your team build powerful habits that drive real business and cultural transformation.
Explore more tools, templates, and leadership strategies in our free resources at fire.h50.us/~hrgnmpwr/dev2/.
Learn more about law firm leadership on our blogs, and don’t miss the insights we share each week on our Hiring & Empowering Solutions Podcast.
Written by Molly Hall McGrath