How to Be a Boss: 16 Tips from The Good Fight

by Shopify Editorial Team May 11, 2019

Christine Baranski from The Good Fight standing in a courtroom with a worried look on her face while two male lawyers stand on either side of her.

So you wanna be a boss. Netflix and ~~chill~~ will yourself to get off the couch already. How to Be a Boss (According to Your Favorite Shows) is your excuse to binge all the TV you want. It’s career inspiration, right?

Being a founder can sometimes feel like being in a battle: the competition is fierce, and hours of hard work may be subject to a lot of judgment. Through tireless researching, preparing, and strategizing, what often keeps people going is passion for what they’re doing and a vision of what’s possible. If this sounds like it could be you, you’re fighting “the good fight”—and tbh, The Good Wife spinoff (on CBS and the W Network) of that same phrase can provide a whole lotta inspo to keep going.

Think about it. Whether it’s finding the perfect defense or figuring out solutions to problems that arise along the way, the lawyers at Reddick, Boseman & Lockhart get the work done—and done well. And that’s exactly what it’s like to be a founder. So here’s to their guidance on how to persevere with a positive outlook. (Oh, and having a power suit worthy of Diane Lockhart doesn’t hurt either.)

1. You are a boss—so dress like one.

Diane Lockhart and Liz Reddick look serious during a meeting. Diane is wearing a shiny, patterned blazer and shirt with black pants. Liz is wearing a voluminous dark green coat and black pants. They are both holding their cellphones. — *CBS Studios International*

2. That doesn’t mean resigning yourself to stuffy suits. Make a statement, and demand the attention you deserve.

Diane sits at a desk in conversation with someone off-camera. Diane wears a gold shiny dress and looks serious. — *CBS Studios International*

3. Clients can get hella demanding, but always keep your eyes on the prize.

Adrian Boseman leans over to talk to Lucca Quinn in court during a trial where they are defending Chum Hum. They both look annoyed because in the episode, their clients are being difficult. — *Corus Entertainment*

4. That said, don’t lose sight of who you are and what matters to you most—laptop stickers can be a helpful reminder.

Diane stands in her office, facing away from the windows that show it is raining and gloomy outside. On her desk, there is a laptop with multiple stickers that say things like “Vote Blue” and “MeToo.” — *CBS Studios International*

5. Things don’t always go according to plan, but don’t let haters see you sweat. Perfect your poker face.

Adrian and Diane sit facing forward at a wooden table in court. They both look serious. — *CBS Studios International*

6. Use your powers for good—like trying to keep your investigator from getting kicked out of the country.

Jay Dipersia is defended by Diane and Liz during a court hearing where the US government is trying to deport Jay. — *CBS Studios International*

7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, even if you don’t quite know what that entails.

Diane looks out a window of her office while placing a large vase of white flowers on the window sill. — *CBS Studios International*

8. You’re unique, so don’t feel like you have to conform to someone else’s approach to business. Do you. I mean, let’s be real, while Roland Blum doesn’t exactly fit the typical idea of what a lawyer looks, sounds, or acts like, he is definitely shaking things up.

Roland Blum sits at Adrian ’s desk with his pocket watch in one hand and his feet up on the desk, leaning back slightly in an office chair. — *CBS Studios International*

9. Even so, be wary of people who bend the rules a little too far, including Roland.

Roland, wearing a three-piece suit, talks to Maia Rindell outside of the courtroom doors. — *CBS Studios International*

10. Whether it’s on paper, or on your phone, take note of important meetings so you know exactly what was said—and what wasn’t.

Diane holds her phone up during a meeting with a client, who is sitting across from her desk, as she records their conversation. A laptop is also sitting between them. — *CBS Studios International*

11. Network outside of your conventional circles. You never know what may happen when you connect with new people. (Consider joining a “book club”.)

Diane sits in a meeting of the resistance group, held in a church basement with stone pillars and persian rugs covering the floor. She looks shocked at the discussion. — *CBS Studios International*

12. Shared office spaces can be another fun way to meet new people and—like, in Roland’s case—test how long you can go without doing any actual work before someone notices.

Roland sits in his temporary office and reads a newspaper with a dish of food and a coffee on his desk. — *CBS Studios International*

13. Work can get wild, so find someone who can partake in a good vent sesh with you.

Adrian and Liz laugh while sharing an after-work drink in their offices. — *CBS Studios International*

14. Or maybe you prefer to decompress solo?

Diane sits slumped in a chair in her bedroom with a glass of liquor in one hand and the remote in the other. She looks tired, as if she has just had a long day. — *CBS Studios International*

15. Always remember: you’ve got this. Don’t take anyone’s BS.

Diane and Liz sit with their client in court. All three women are serving some serious side eye. — *CBS Studios International*

Words by Ishani Nath
Feature image CBS Studios International