*** JUNE 2012 ISSUE ***
Whether elected or appointed, the privilege of sitting on an American judicial bench is unique. Judges are central to applying the law of the land with evenhanded fairness and, thereby, providing stability and justice in society. And, certainly, there is the gratification of helping to assure access for all to the courts and to bringing closure in individual cases. These are but a few of the privileges of the bench.
Yet, for all its opportunities and rewards, we must acknowledge that judges experience challenges as well. For many, these include personal security risks, the impact of ever-changing technology, judicial isolation, and, conversely, sometimes living in a fishbowl of sorts.
It is in light of these challenges that this newsletter seeks serve you. We hope Judicial Balance helps you navigate the sometimes exhilarating and sometimes treacherous waters of being a judge, and makes it easier to find and enhance your fulfillment in serving the public as a judicial officer.
–Brent E. Dickson, Chief Justice of Indiana
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence (“EI”) is critical to professional and personal success, yet lawyers score lower than the general population in EI competency. Defined as the ability to process emotion-laden information, proficient EI optimizes decision-making and analyses. The good news is that EI can be learned. Please see, “Emotional Intelligence for Lawyers,” by Ronda Muir, Esq., Law People: Better Law Practice Through Better People Management. PDF
The New Male Mystique
A great deal has been said – and hopefully will continue to be – about work-family conflict among women. Yet, research indicates that men now experience more work-family conflict than women. This study examines the rise of such angst, and the reasons for its growth. Please see, “The New Male Mystique,” by Kerstin Aumann, Ellen Galinsky, and Kenneth Matos; Families and Work Institute, National Study of the Changing Workforce, 2011. PDF
Flourish
Author Martin Seligman’s work is an excellent summary of contemporary thought about the science of positive psychology. Focused on overall well-being, Seligman suggests numerous ways to maximize personal contentment; his theory of five building blocks for a life of profound fulfillment is especially intriguing. Please see, “Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-Being,” by Martin E.P. Seligman, Free Press, A Division of Simon & Schuster, 2011; widely available. Reviewed by, The Happiness Institute: Applying the Principles of Positive Psychology. Please see, HTML
Fact or Fiction?
Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg recently commented that, “There is no such thing as work-life balance.” Sandberg identified factors that make balance elusive – especially for working mothers. Yet, what if you’re prepared to counter such forces? Please see, “Is Work-Life Balance a Myth?” posted by LearnVest, Huffington Post, April 2012. HTML
The Art of the Limit
Work is everywhere. The boundaries of time and space that once defined the workplace no longer exist. So, what’s the impact? Maggie Jackson writes a thought-provoking article based on “The @Work State of Mind” project – a foray into this new world of ever-present work. Please see, “Returning to a New World of Ever-Present Work,” by Maggie Jackson, Forbes.com, April 2012. HTML
The Forces That Shape Us
Occasionally, we reflect upon the how and why of ourselves as unique individuals. Here, North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Patricia Timmons-Goodson discusses the forces shaping her life – family, faith, and education – and how she functions as a judge in light of them. Please see, “An Interview with Justice Patricia Timmons-Goodson,” by Justice Robert H. Edmunds Jr. and L. Neal Ellis Jr., Judges Journal, Vol. 51, American Bar Association, Winter 2012. PDF
*** JULY 2012 ISSUE ***
Whether elected or appointed, the privilege of sitting on an American judicial bench is unique. Judges are central to applying the law of the land with evenhanded fairness and, thereby, providing stability and justice in society. And, certainly, there is the gratification of helping to assure access for all to the courts and to bringing closure in individual cases. These are but a few of the privileges of the bench.
Yet, for all its opportunities and rewards, we must acknowledge that judges experience challenges as well. For many, these include personal security risks, the impact of ever-changing technology, judicial isolation, and, conversely, sometimes living in a fishbowl of sorts.
It is in light of these challenges that this newsletter seeks serve you. We hope Judicial Balance helps you navigate the sometimes exhilarating and sometimes treacherous waters of being a judge, and makes it easier to find and enhance your fulfillment in serving the public as a judicial officer.
–Brent E. Dickson, Chief Justice of Indiana
The Game-Changer
There’s work, family, faith, community, and more – each demanding time and attention. Pontish Yeramyan, President /CEO and Founder of Gap International, seeks to make a difference rather than make time. She calls it the “outcome game.” And, it’s changed the game of work-life balance. Please see, “Changing the Work-Life Balance Game,” by Pontish Yeramyan, Huff Post Women, Feb. 2012. HTML
Women and Diversity: Myth or Misconstrued?
Despite gender-equality initiatives and women’s proven success in law, the difference in earnings and power between genders is alarming. Perhaps missing is an acceptance that excellence requires true diversity: diversity in attitudes and expectations about career and lifestyle, as well as gender and race. Please see, “What Do Women Want? Challenging the Diversity Myth,” by Ronda Muir, Esq., Law Practice Today, June 2012. HTML
The Social Media Revolution
The effect of social media on the law cannot be overstated. From employment law to the bench itself – and everything in between – the practice and application of law is forever changed. Learn how to use social media effectively. Above all, don’t let fear hold you back. Please see, “The Interaction of Social Media and the Law and How to Survive the Social Media Revolution,” by Steven J. Venezia, Esq., New Hampshire Bar Bulletin, Winter 2012. PDF
Depression: A Hard Habit to Break?
A habit is a pattern of behavior or thought acquired through repetition. For depressed persons, habits are make-or-break propositions. On the positive side, good habits empower us, and can be critical tools in managing depression. Make habits work for you. Please see, “Is Depression a Habit?” by Daniel Lukasik, lawyerswithdepression.com, Mar. 2012. HTML
Another Way to Balance
Attorney Evan Vincent shares his approach to work/life balance. In four important steps, he includes both structure and flexibility. His approach is an anchor and a goal, and keeps one focused on the idea of balance – a feat in and of itself. Please see, “Work/Life Balance: A Structured but Flexible Approach,” by Evan Vincent, The Oklahoma Bar Journal, Vol. 83, no. 8. March 2012. HTML (select the March issue, and scroll to pp. 567)
Lifting the Veil
An aura of reverence surrounds judges. Yet, when the veil lifts, we – judges and laypersons alike – are reminded of our commonalities. This compilation of chance encounters with judges is refreshing, and reminds us that each judge’s individuality is, in part, what keeps us in awe of the bench. Please see, “You’ll Never Guess Who I Met Today: Friendly Encounters Show Justices Are Down-Home Folks,” by Jill Schachner Chanen, ABA Journal Magazine, June 2012. HTML
