Michael Byrne, an attorney and partner at Silverman Shin & Byrne, shares valuable insights on effective delegation. He compares trying to handle everything alone in leadership to mowing a lawn with scissors. With a focus on fostering the right conversation dynamics, he emphasizes the importance of allowing others to speak and discovering their own solutions. Delegating not only frees up time for skill development but also enhances leadership presence and deep work. Michael's experiences showcase how delegation can transform responsibilities into tools for empowerment and team growth.
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Need for Management Help
Michael Byrne realized he needed help managing his team after becoming partner at his law firm.
He transitioned from being an attorney to managing 15 people, a role he felt unprepared for.
insights INSIGHT
Vision and Adaptability
Forward-thinking vision enabled Michael Byrne's firm to adapt to remote work before the pandemic.
Embracing flexible work arrangements gave them a significant advantage during the crisis.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Early Delegation Struggles
Initially, Michael Byrne struggled with delegating tasks, feeling like he was burdening his colleagues.
He realized this hindered their growth as attorneys and leaders within the firm.
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Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever
Michael Bungay Stanier
In 'The Coaching Habit,' Michael Bungay Stanier provides a straightforward and effective approach to coaching. Drawing on his extensive experience training managers worldwide, he introduces seven essential coaching questions designed to help managers unlock their team's potential. These questions include the Kickstart Question, the AWE Question, the Lazy Question, the Strategic Question, the Focus Question, the Foundation Question, and the Learning Question. The book emphasizes the importance of saying less and asking more, fostering a collaborative and empowering work environment. It combines practical advice with research in neuroscience and behavioral economics, making coaching a daily, informal part of managerial work rather than a formal event.
Michael Byrne: Silverman Shin & Byrne
Michael is an attorney and partner at Silverman Shin & Byrne in New York, one of the largest minority owned law firms in the State of New York. Michael’s primary areas of focus include tort and commercial litigation defense. He serves clients in a broad range of matters, including attorney malpractice, personal injury torts, insurance, business formation, securities and cyber liability claims.
He is a member of the New York State Bar Association and of several committees. Michael is also a member of the Puerto Rican Bar Association and the Defense Research Institute. He provides legal advice to various civic associations and youth ice hockey organizations in Long Island. He’s also a member of the Coaching for Leaders Academy.
Key Points
Trying to do everything yourself in leadership is like mowing a lawn with a pair of scissors.
A critical shift for leaders to make is “time of possession” in the conversation. Work to have the other party speaking more.
The answers people give to my questions are the answers to their own questions.
Delegating well means that more time emerges to support others with skill development.
Making time to be present for people also allows you more time for deep work.
Resources Mentioned
Michael Byrne on LinkedIn
Silverman Shin & Byrne
Related Episodes
These Coaching Questions Get Results, with Michael Bungay Stanier (episode 237)
Effective Delegation of Authority, with Hassan Osman (episode 413)
How to Ask Better Questions, with David Marquet (episode 454)
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