It could get lonesome in Ireland. There aren’t that many people in this country—fewer than 5 million. There’s lots of space that’s empty, especially along the coast. It’s easy to walk for a long time without seeing anyone if that’s what you choose to do.
But you don’t get lonely because Irish people talk. They’re loquacious people. Even though there aren’t that many of them, there’s never a shortage of conversation. I’ve never met people who talk more than Irish people. We’re staying near Blarney, and apparently everyone here has visited and rubbed the Blarney Stone because the gift of gab is abundant. The talking is amazing. I can simply say “hello” to some Irish folks and then listen as long as I like without speaking again. Thankfully, I’ve fallen in love with Irish accents.
But not all of us have someone to talk to whenever we like. That’s part of the problem with practicing law. It’s lonely sometimes when you’re practicing solo or when you’re leading a firm and don’t feel like you can share whatever is bothering you. Come to Ireland and you’ll never be lonely again. But practicing law, especially in your own firm, can be a lonesome endeavor.
I’m watching the Rosen Institute members form mini-mastermind groups of five lawyers. The groups are a place where members can privately bounce ideas back and forth. All members are committed to helping other members in their group as they each grow their practices. Ideas are being shared and information is being exchanged, but that’s the least important part of what’s happening.
As the groups meet, there’s something more going on. It’s deeper than the exchange of data. The members are getting to know one another, building trust, and discovering that it doesn’t have to be lonely at the top. They’re finding others experiencing the same stress, the same challenges, and the same obstacles. They’re sharing insights on how to solve the problem, but they’re also sharing feelings as they cope with their difficulties. It’s moving to watch as lawyers open up to other lawyers and help one another through whatever is getting in the way. I’m grateful to be a part of it all.
The lawyers in our group like to talk. Maybe they don’t talk as much as the Irish, but they’re talking more and more, and they’re using their words to support and build one another up. It’s exciting, it’s valuable, and it’s what we set out to achieve when we built this community. I’ll be thinking of the lawyers in our group as I sit back and listen to some stories tonight at the pub while drinking a Guinness as the Irish music plays on across the room.
