As Suits: Season Three returns to TV screens this summer it brings the return of a character that excels in everything he does. This man is Harvey Specter, expertly played by actor Gabriel Macht, is ‘the best closer in New York City’. Harvey is a born winner with the steely determination to come out on top no matter how big or tough the challenge is. Like a true discerning gent, he is the master of all he purveys – gets the job done, gets the girl and looks stylish throughout.

 

Perhaps the modern day version of another iconic discerning gent, Mad Men’s Don Draper, Harvey is a guy that we can all learn something from because sometimes you have to think “What would Harvey Specter do?” Elysium Magazine picks out five key Harvey principles that will help you in the world of business and pleasure.

 

1. Read Them Like A Book

Harvey is the master of reading people and it’s an important skill to have. People around you are always behaving in certain ways, giving out tiny signals which can reveal much more than they’d like to give away. If you are able to pick up on these signals and use them to your advantage, you will be extremely successful in business and life. Learning to predict what others are going to do before they actually do it puts you in a much stronger position. We know from the series that Harvey plays poker on his days off – maybe that’s how he perfected the art of reading people?

 

2. Accountability

Harvey is a man who likes to be in control as much as he can. Taking control of your actions and responsibilities means, more often than not, that you’re in control of the outcome. If you’re accountable then you will take much a deeper interest in why or how something gets done. For example Harvey hired Mike Ross as his associate in season one so he knows that if Mike screws up, it’s all on him. Ultimately it’s you who chooses your behaviour, so you choose your consequences.

 

3. Be A Doer More Than A Talker

Harvey doesn’t waste time trying to explain the problem, he fixes it instead. Likewise when you come across a problem, your boss or partner will appreciate it much more when you spend your time wisely, trying to fix the problem rather than reporting the issues to someone else. In the time-pressed society that we all live in today, every second counts and a second spent talking rather than doing is a second wasted.

 

4. Don’t Be A Pen-Pusher

Following every single rule will get you nowhere. Harvey is a man that is willing to break the rules every now and then because he understands that it will allow him to win or further strengthen his hand against his competition. If you’re not willing to break the rules (within reason) once in a while, you’re going to be at a huge disadvantage. You’re only letting your competition get ahead by being naive enough to believe that they will do the same. But understand the risks too – remember it’s about accountability.

 

5. Style Gives You Substance

Harvey knows that appearances are important which is why is suit tailoring is impeccable. Understand how that the way you look has a direct impact on the way others perceive you. It’s the very first impression you make on others before even opening your mouth. In a business world where first impressions are everything the way you present yourself to a prospective employer or client plays a major role in whether or not they choose you. Take a look at Harvey’s sartorial style to find out how to get the look.

 

Harvey is a man of many talents. If you think there are other skills that we can learn from the hot-shot lawyer, tell us. Tweet us your thoughts!