3 Female Business Role Models based on the TV Show "Suits"

Role models are based on real or sometimes fictional characters that possess traits and qualities we like to emulate in our business and personal lives. I recently discovered positive examples of roles models during the summer TV viewing season by watching a legal drama on cable.

The USA Network TV show “Suits” is a drama set in a high powered law office in New York led by a female managing partner named Jessica Pearson. Gina Torres stars as Pearson, a strong female lawyer who leads the fictional law firm through ups and downs much like any seasoned executive. The organization’s ability to rebound is based on the strength and business acumen displayed by several of its three female stars who serve as the organizational role models.

For example, the character of Jessica Pearson is a charismatic leader who can visualize the impact of business on both her staff as well as her business efforts. She leads her team through staff transitions, potential coups from her mostly male-partner organization as well as hold off enemies focused on vendettas. Moreover, Pearson’s character listens to her staff instead of making unilateral decisions that may lead to unexpected outcomes.

Another interesting role model is the character of Donna Paulsen played by Sarah Rafferty is more than administrative staff. She is cognizant of the law firms’ business tactics and she understands each employee’s interconnected cohesion to the office dynamic. Moreover, her loyalty to the entire team makes her a valuable asset to the firm which is the backbone of the firm’s mission.

Moreover, the character Rachel Zane played by Meghan Markle offers the one surprising trait of the show: her humanity. She is flawless as an associate in the firm, yet she understands the human element of an often cold and calculated profession. Each of Zane’s tasks requires research, legalese and attention to detail which she displays on a regular basis. Her ability to create bonds with staff ranging from all levels is daft skill that is not easily mirrored by others. 

Women in fictional "Pearson Spector" law firm portrayed in the TV Show "Suits" represent the diverse world of women in organizations who are strong, personable leaders who display loyalty and business acumen in a competitive environment.   

3 Common Office Space Dilemmas

 

  

I remember walking into my Mom’s office when I was younger and noticing how much space and serenity she had at work. She could focus on multiple projects without disruption as well as close the door her office to keep noise levels at a minimum.

Fast forward to my generation and the days of private offices and personal cubicles are starting to draw to a close for several reasons: reduced budgets; consolidated office space as well as a means to save jobs. Yet, in this "hoteling" type environment I work in, I am noticing several types of challenges that may occur in an open work environment.

For example, some offices provide hoteling situations that permit staff to work in different locations each day. While this serves as a great opportunity to collaborate with people outside of your formal team, sometimes locating a clean an available desk in the myriad of office space proves to be a challenge.

The open work environment also means that things like cubicle walls and doors are no longer available to non-management employees. Consequently, the level of noise at work will increase as the number of people increases with arrivals at the office each day.

Moreover, personal space becomes limited. Gone are the days of having pictures of your family, pets and diplomas. Welcome smaller desks, portable phones and small arm space.
While these may be perceived by some as negative issues, there are some ways to navigate around the smaller office accommodations.
Working in an Open Office Environment Tips:

• Arrive early if you want to secure a preferred seat
• Consider using a digital photo frame to keep the happy memories close
• Get out of your comfort zone, and team up with new people on innovative projects
• Noise an issue? Track the days there are more people at work and plan that as your scheduled telework day
• Communicate with peers in a positive way when the noise levels are getting too loud
• Bring your favorite playlist on your IPod and earphones so you can listen to your favorite tunes while whittling down your tasks
• Remember that smaller space without walls or doors as barriers also means being more courteous in the office

3 Business Lessons I learned from the TV show "Suits"

Each business person is inspired to their career choice based on a past experience, a favorite relative, movie or TV show. The USA Network TV show "Suits" explores the world of corporate lawyers and their legal endeavors. While it seems that the show is always business focused, I realized that each episode offers some insight into effective business acumen. For example, the characters named "Harvey Spector" and "Louis Litt" seem to embody three important business lessons:

• Maintain a professional business demeanor
• Keep your emotions under control 
• Possess a solid exit strategy

One example of a business lesson is learning how to cope with projects that go bad, rumors,  or moody co-workers who may say inappropriate things. How can you maintain your cool if there is someone making an effort to verbally dismiss you or one of your projects does not go according to plan? Instead of responding in rage, take the time to assess the project timeline to identify gaps in the project plan and create solutions. Another thing to remember is when a person tries to get you to respond at their same level of negativity is to move away from the source. There is no reason to respond to them right away. Also, it takes more internal locust of control to restrain an outburst than it does to have an angry retort.  

The second business lesson that I learned from the show "Suits"  is how to keep my emotions in check at the office. There are two ways you can use our emotions at work based on the show character Louis Litt. You can be:

1. "Litt Up" 
2. A "Louis Litt"

When a person has the ability to score a business "coup" that is unexpected, it is similar to referring to the person as being "Litt Up." This also can mean that a person has the skill to out maneuver their competitors to take a legal business advantage. 

On the other hand, when a person's feelings get the better of them and they make bad business decisions, it is like you are a "Louis Litt." When you feel like your emotions are getting the best of you at the office, take a time out before implementing any decisions. It is critical to never make a business decision out of anger, hast or revenge, because you may make a mistake. The goal is to balance your emotions so they serve you well in an office environment.

The final business lesson I learned from "Suits" is to always have a solid exit strategy. The days of people staying with the same company or organization until their retirement are over. Due to economic transitions as well as changes in the work environment, some people work at their current jobs for 2 to 5 years before moving on to another career option. They do this to stay competitive, take on new challenges, promotions as well as lead new endeavors. Still others may leave because they finished the work they started and there are no new challenges left to complete. 

It helps to keep your exit strategy prepared for planned or unplanned departures from your current job. This includes giving two weeks’ notice, a financial back up plan, transitioning your work and leaving on a high note that encourages a positive impression from those you leave behind at the office. More importantly, hold off on any tirades based on perceived or real wrongs that may have occurred during your tenure. Instead, thank your employers for the opportunity so you may create a positive opening for you to return at a later date.