The “Gratitude Gap” keeps many attorneys stuck in a cycle of striving. This story shows what happens when you stop to acknowledge how far you’ve already come.

In law school, we’re trained to be articulate. To master language. To communicate with precision. And for the most part, we succeed—at least in the courtroom or at the negotiation table. But in the real world of law firm leadership? Articulation alone doesn’t cut it.

Leadership isn’t tested when things are easy. It’s tested in the storm.

A founder and managing partner of a multi-million-dollar plaintiffs’ firm recently found himself navigating one of the most turbulent seasons of his career. In the span of days, he made the difficult decision to let go of multiple team members, including his highest grossing attorney. He wrestled with ethical obligations that led to the filing of bar complaints. He shouldered client communications during an unexpected transition and was suddenly pulled back into the day-to-day legal work he had long since delegated.

It was a lot. And yet, he didn’t just survive the chaos—he led through it. Coaching helped him do that.

Effective leadership requires a delicate balance between empathy and authority. Many believe these qualities are polar opposites, but in reality, they are complementary forces that can transform your leadership style. The ability to connect with your team while maintaining strong decision-making skills is what separates good leaders from great ones.

In this blog post, you’ll explore the dynamics of energy leadership, how to find the right balance between empathy and authority, and practical strategies to implement this approach in your leadership style. By the end, you’ll have a clear framework to create a high-performing, engaged team that thrives under your leadership.

A mindset of extreme ownership will allow you to take control over your life and achieve true greatness.

Whether you are fearful or excited, though, depends on how you’re viewing the situation. Put another way, the chemistry is the same and beyond your control, the emotion is 100% in your control. That’s where cognitive reframing comes in.