People & Culture

Society’s expectations are shifting the sands of the business world — sweeping the legal world with it. Successful legal firms are increasingly operating more like ‘start up businesses’ — changing everything from what they call themselves to how they deliver their services. What’s also changing are the rules of engagement which mean transparent behaviours, open attitudes and collaborative team behaviours is the new norm. It’s a game changer.

It seems like every other month, another headline screams “X law firm ditches annual appraisals”. For many this is welcome news. Just the word “appraisal” implies a one-way conversation, of the command and control era – the unnecessary admin and anxiety that go along with your ‘moment in the sun’. Their shortcomings are well known too: many appraisals are infrequent, overly retrospective and ratings-focussed.

As we all know the legal profession is undergoing its greatest period of transformation at present: the sands are literally shifting beneath your feet. As practice managers and leaders it’s often your role to not only stay on top of all the fast transformation within the industry, but also, to ensure that staff remain calm and retention remains steady.

Without question, the most important leadership skill to master is effective leadership communication. When done well, it’s inspiring, transformative and spurs employees to greatness.