10 Steps to Successful Team Building in a Law Firm

Research has shown that those law firms that take the time to invest in building effective teams will reap the benefits of improved morale, better performance, and the successful completion of projects. 

A team is more than just a group of people who happen to work together. It is a group of people working towards common goals and objectives while sharing responsibility for the outcomes. Good leadership recognised as a key feature for overall team performance. 

If you are considering moving to a team-based approach at your law firm, or looking to improve the performance of an existing team, here are my Top 10 Tips of what to look out for. 

1. Decide whether a team is the best option – Think carefully about the tasks to be completed. Don’t assume that a team is necessarily the best way of achieving the objectives you have in mind. Weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of team working. 

2. Define your objectives – Think carefully about the nature of the tasks or projects to be carried out by the team and the mix of knowledge and skills needed. Team members with a clear understanding of their own objectives and their place within the team and the wider firm are more likely to be able to motivate themselves to achieve, and to exhibit higher levels of job satisfaction, commitment, excitement and enthusiasm. 

3. Consider the make up of the team – You’ll need to consider the number of people involved and the skills they bring to the team. Successful teams will have a balance of members with differing roles if they are to work together effectively. 

4. Tasks and roles – It is vital that team members are clear about what is expected of them and what tasks are to be conducted. Place people in the right position based on their skills and competences. 

5. Resources – Make sure that the team has access to the resources and materials they will need to complete their work, including the most precious of all resources, time. It’s important that teams have the time to coordinate activities, develop ideas and monitor progress. 

6. Communication – Clear and frequent communication is vital to the success of any team. Sharing information will help members understand how their work contributes to business objectives and promote better integration.  

7. Training – Management training may be required to achieve the tasks and objectives. Team leaders will need project management skills and the ability to manage meetings, moderate discussions and handle conflict. Team members will also need good interpersonal skills, including communication and negotiation. 

8. Create the right team culture – Encourage the group to see themselves as a team, rather than a collection of individuals. Teams thrive in a climate of trust and creating a positive team culture with a sense of shared purpose is a vital part of the team leader’s role.  

9. Feedback – Everybody needs to know how well they are doing and if and where improvements can be made. Feedback should focus firstly on the positive aspects and then on ways of addressing any problems or difficulties. 

10. Check progress towards your objectives – Check regularly to ensure everyone has a clear focus on what they are working towards. Identify milestones and hold team members accountable for progress towards them. Feedback to your team at key stages of the project and celebrate successes together. 

If you are thinking of introducing team based working in your firm and you would like to discuss any of the themes in this blog, please get in touch: ih@hopkinslegalconsulting.com or give me a call on 0791 666 9095.