“I have learned that no matter how focused you are on your own goals, it is only possible to succeed if you work with others.”
Erica Berthou
This Partner at Debevoise & Plimpton tells us a thing or two about the importance of teamwork. People often talk about finding the right balance between work and life. For the most part, I’m nowhere near achieving a consistent, peaceful balance. Instead, I think I’m energized by having several balls in the air at any given time. Staying on top of, and growing in, a demanding work role, raising kids with my husband, staying close to family and friends, and participating in sports are the moving pieces. I’m fully engaged on all fronts though, and I take pride in that. It’s my perfect imbalance. I have learned that no matter how focused you are on your own goals, it
is only possible to succeed if you work with others. Your own success and satisfaction is intertwined with that of your team—at work, at home, or at a sporting event. As a result, I think a great deal about motivation and being a good teammate. As a newbie with the all-female Radical Media competitive cycling team, I am seeing the importance of motivation! My teammates are amazing women who are constantly cheering for all of us—emphasizing team success and complementing effort regardless of the result. Their approach is teaching me how I can be a better
leader, teammate, and motivator in other areas of my life. Encouraging others is an art requiring people skills and intuition. I know I wish that I had been more outspoken when I was a younger lawyer, so I try to create a work environment that fosters dialogue. I ask questions of my younger colleagues, remain approachable and appreciative of all viewpoints, and try new approaches to feedback. Sometimes these small steps build team success in the long run, and it is extremely fulfilling to play a part in that process. PDJ
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