Originally posted on 3/25/2021 (reformatted).

Let’s see a quick show of hands. Who is stressed? Who is busy? Forget the nice expression “Zoom fatigue,” who is Just. Over Zoom. Period.? If the answer is yes to one  or more questions, you’re not alone.

But chances are, you neither have the time or energy to read a “touchy-feely” piece about how we’re all in this together and brighter days are ahead. Rather, here are ten quick, straightforward tips that were chosen from the ABA Bar Leadership Institute featured as “Making the Most of the Moment: 40 Tips for Bar Leaders’ that took place last week. And, yes, only a quarter of the tips are being featured in the interest of time. If you want to know more, just let me know.

1. Be authentic.
2. Put on your own oxygen mask first.
3. What’s your mantra?
4. Communicate to build trust.
5. Lead with compassion. Show people some grace, and start with yourself first.
6. Laughter is good.
7. Communication is the key to a successful and unplanned year.
8. Communicate clear boundaries about what you can and can’t do at any given time.
9. Double down on connection.
10. It doesn’t matter if you fall down 7 times, as long as you get up 8.

Simple enough, right? Maybe a little too simple and maybe harder to actually put into practice, all at the same time. Nevertheless, as leaders, advocates, counselors, and life learners, let’s pause and seek to implement the advice above. It can’t hurt to do so. Most importantly, let’s move forward implementing tip 5.  Show others grace but start with yourself first.

That’s all.

Kristina Bilowus

Michigan State University College of Law

East Lansing