07/15/2024
Law school is great training in thinking analytically.
But it has a downfall...ego.
Lawyers tend to think they know what they need to know.
From experience working on larger firms, I know for a fact they don't.
And despite their training, they are generally terrible at analyzing opportunities they are presented to grow their firms.
So here's some critical information just so no one can say they weren't aware.
1. Measurable Job Descriptions with Performance Options
A job description is one thing. One written that can actually be measured in clear daily performance is another.
2. Written Daily Routines
It isn't enough to tell someone what their job is. You have to tell them how you want it done.
3. Clear and meaningful plans of progression
In a world of a workforce that has new knowledge of employment law, Quiet Quitting has become a phrase and is marked by staff pushing back on fulfilling employer expectations because those expectations aren't clearly outlined in job descriptions, performance options, and daily routines.
4. Performance Tracking Dashboard Systems
Micromanagement happens because we don't have strong systems of delegation paired with technology structured to specifically track the bargained-for tasks that we hired our staff to complete for us.
5. Well-utilized task Management Systems
A logistics officer in the Marine Corps used to tell me..."Garbage in, Garbage out." When it comes to task management, this means if you haven't set the system up to task people out consistently and trained them on how to access and work through those tasks, any task management system you're using just gets bogged down with useless and often counterproductive information.
6. A truly effective firm hierarchy
It happens all too often in firms. You have this team of people and instead of feeling like they are helping you, you feel like you are always helping them. How to end it all? Policies on team hierarchy and a clear, written communication plan.
7. Robust Formal Digital Learning Management System
Everything that needs to be done in your firm needs to be done a certain way every single time. You can create an engaging, effective, and automated learning management system faster than you may realize if you use the right process and the right tools.
8. Fast and frequent evaluation
The world happens too fast for monthly, quarterly, or annual performance evaluations. Daily engagement in performance leads to muscle memory faster and a team that becomes automated and autonomous in their roles.
9. Leads, leads, leads
Lead generation is key for any company, especially the personal injury law firms we work with. Mobilizing your staff as advanced professional networkers, capturing their social media activity, engaging the community in innovative ways, and using the noble impact of your firm as a marketing campaign are strategies on just the tip of the iceberg.