Management lessons from ‘SUITS’
For those who have seen ‘Suits’ no introduction is necessary and for those who haven’t no introduction is complete. Why? Because ‘Suits’ is much more than an ordinary American legal drama series. Beneath a swaggering walk and talk drama glistening with hyperbole it presents a reflection of basic human instincts at workplace. On one hand while it idolises a brazen take on individual achievement, personal success, lust for individual name and fame, on the other, it stands for all forms of collective action-cooperation and collaboration at all levels. In many ways, it is a symbol of everyday life in business. Here’s looking at some management lessons (that can be drawn for the boss and his/her employee) from it’s two celebrated characters:
(1) This is Jessica Pearson. SHE IS A GREAT BOSS. Be like Jessica.

Jessica Pearson is the managing partner of the law firm Pearson Specter Litt where all the action takes place. She is depicted as a powerful New York attorney who is not just smart and relentless but is THE BOSS in her firm. As a boss she is efficient, effective and cultivates total loyalty and obedience in others.
(A) Jessica has a sense of SELF AWARENESS. She displays a capacity to not only understand her emotions, strengths and weakness but also shows an understanding of how to manage them. Her capacity to distance herself from her emotions and past experiences, suspend judgements while being in grip of strong emotions aid her to make better decisions.
(B) Jessica MANAGES HERSELF WELL and constantly learns and enters the field to win people’s trust in her competence and character. For her, the firm and her work are of prime importance. Many a times during difficult situations, she seem to assess her decisions only on the basis of what is good for the firm. All her decisions are targeted towards betterment of the business.
© Jessica has a wonderful sense of SOCIAL AWARENESS or the capacity to understand and be attuned to emotions of people who work with her. She knows how to be with people and connects with all of them. Throughout the series she is seen as having an open door policy where people can approach her at any time during the entire day and she is there for them.
(D) Jessica is always VISIBLE and she never seems to miss any opportunity to be one on one with all levels of employees. She is seen many a times as pacing through her office, reaching out to her employees, interacting and engaging with them. During such times she not only collects information on what is going on in the office but also informally nurtures, trains and advices her staff.
(E) Jessica UNDERSTANDS AND REWARDS LOYALTY with status and responsibility. Her people management style seems to reflect a balance of freedom and accountability. She trusts her employees, gives them choice and avoids micromanagement.
(F) Jessica MANAGES HER SOCIAL NETWORK WELL for her success and for the success of her firm. Many a times she is seen using her existing contacts to meet new people as potential social or business links and to create opportunities for her firm and employees.
(G)Jessica UNDERSTANDS THE IMPORTANCE OF TEAM and believes in ‘we’ rather than ‘me’. She recognises the importance of each member and values their role. She is also the first to celebrate success of the team with its members.
(H) Jessica is a wonderful MENTOR. Harvey Spectre is her Protege. She pays for Harvey to go to Harvard Law and is seen as providing him with all her support. She acts as a constant coach, advisor and resource person for him.
(2) This is Harvey Spectre. He is a star performer. Be like Harvey.

(A) Harvey is EXTREMELY PASSIONATE about his work. He loves what he does and is extremely enthusiastic and tireless in his pursuit of excellence. While he has set the bar very high for himself, he also expects the same from those who work with him.
(B)Harvey is DETERMINED TO WIN. Perseverance, drive, tenacity defines him. With his winning attitude, ambition, talent, charm and wit he seems to never take no for an answer. In this determination to win he does complete homework on his cases and seems to know everything that can be known about his opponents.
© Harvey TAKES RISK. His biggest risk involved employing Mike Ross as an associate despite Mike not having a graduate degree or any law degree. He is simply employed because Harvey sees genius in him. His risk taking attitude is seen many a times when he has seized opportunities for himself and his firm.
(D) Harvey TAKES CHARGE and SEEKS RESPONSIBILITY of things beyond his work interests. There are many instances when he made extra efforts for the larger benefit or for the benefit of others. All this makes him highly dependable.
(E) Harvey CULTIVATES A STRONG NETWORK AND TEAM OF FOLLOWERS. He is constantly seen as working with his loyal group of supporters who strengthen his position and in turn are groomed by him. He is also seen making calls, doing favours to a number of people who owe him in turn.
(F) Harvey represents the FACE OF THE FIRM. Not only is he capable but also is a well groomed professional whose name is synonymous with his firm. It is because of this that he is able to attract big names as clients and add value to the firm.
