Lawyerist Podcast #572: Practical Courage Skills Every Lawyer Needs, with Jim Detert
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Aug 7, 2025 In this discussion, Jim Detert, a professor at UVA's Darden School of Business and author of 'Choosing Courage,' delves into the skills lawyers need to cultivate courage in their careers. He highlights the importance of addressing fear in the workplace and offers a 'courage ladder' to help professionals build confidence step by step. The conversation also covers the cost of silence in legal practice and the necessity of aligning personal values with professional actions. It's a practical guide for cultivating integrity and leading with bravery.
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Courage Is a Skilled Practice
- Courage is not an innate trait but a skill anyone can develop through practice.
- Fear does not prevent courageous acts; managing fear skillfully enables them.
Manage Mindset for Tough Talks
- Prepare for tough conversations by managing physiological reactions, thoughts, and behaviors.
- Shift from a performance mindset to a learning mindset to reduce anxiety and improve outcomes.
Start Conversations Honestly
- Start difficult conversations by honestly stating the challenge and the importance of truth.
- Avoid excessive softening or fluff; it often hides fear rather than shows kindness.
