Key Skills for Professionals

Trainees are often expected to grow the different skill sets required by observing and learning from people they work alongside in their firm when the standard rules vary greatly within professional services. Useful for both those entering a profession and those already working in a professional services business, Key Skills for Professionals helps readers acquire and develop the key skills that will enable them to stand out in a fiercely competitive environment - the world of professional services.

Skills covered include: effective writing, oral communication, presentations, negotiation, persuasion and influencing on behalf of a client, the role of the trainee or new hire in meetings, understanding team dynamics in a professional services business, ethics, risk management, understanding financial information and the importance of commercial awareness.

The authors make use of realistic and relevant case studies based on their knowledge, experience and expertise, as well as management exercises, tools for analyzing self-awareness and communication styles and summaries with ideas for further reading to explain how to effectively implement the skills necessary to progress a career.

About the Authors

Alan Pannett is chief executive of fresh Professional Development, a multi-award winning provider of in-house learning and development. Alan has specialized in professional development for over 25 years, designing, delivering and managing learning and development services. His expertise is in the development of the skills needed to lead and manage successful professional services businesses.

Shalini Sequeira studied History at Cambridge University prior to qualifying as a solicitor. She spent a number of years working as a finance lawyer in London and Asia, first at Norton Rose and then at Shearman & Sterling. She is a leading learning and development specialist, working with lawyers at all levels to improve their business and people skills.

Andrew Dines studied Law at Bristol University and then served as an Army Officer before qualifying as a solicitor with Simmons & Simmons. Andrew later studied for an MBA, achieving a commendation level pass. He now works in consultancy and training roles with professional services businesses, focusing on the development of strategic governance, leadership and risk management.

Andrew Day has written stage plays and screenplays for Working Title and Channel 4. He was Principal of a language school, where he also authored language-learning materials that are used by forty schools in seven countries. He has many years of experience in developing communication, presentation and training skills.