Understanding the aspirations of the partners and how they see the future development of the firm is key to any successful strategy review.
There are a number of techniques that I use to coax this out, from questionnaires to workshops to 1:1 session with partners so that their aspiration and vision for the firm is clearly understood. Time needs to be invested so that partners feel that they have been listened to and had an opportunity to articulate their thoughts on the future direction of the firm.
In addition to the partners, I involve senior stakeholders in the business and representatives from each level of the firm to gain their perspective on what is working and what can be improved to help in the planning process.
Understanding the aspirations of the partners and how they see the future development of the firm is key to any successful strategy review.
There are a number of techniques that I use to coax this out, from questionnaires to workshops to 1:1 session with partners so that their aspiration and vision for the firm is clearly understood. Time needs to be invested so that partners feel that they have been listened to and had an opportunity to articulate their thoughts on the future direction of the firm.
In addition to the partners, I involve senior stakeholders in the business and representatives from each level of the firm to gain their perspective on what is working and what can be improved to help in the planning process.
Implementation is always the most difficult part of strategy and by involving individuals throughout the firm in the business planning process, sharing the vision, and showing them how they will be a fundamental part of achieving it, the more engaged they will be in achieving success.
By engaging with each level of the firm in this way it is possible to create a real “buzz” within the firm, improve morale and build momentum for change. With the war for talent raging through the legal profession, this added benefit of a successful business planning process should not be underestimated.
Deciding the Way Forward
Implementation is always the most difficult part of strategy and by involving individuals throughout the firm in the business planning process, sharing the vision, and showing them how they will be a fundamental part of achieving it, the more engaged they will be in achieving success.
By engaging with each level of the firm in this way it is possible to create a real “buzz” within the firm, improve morale and build momentum for change. With the war for talent raging through the legal profession, this added benefit of a successful business planning process should not be underestimated.
