Editor's letter: Olympian hurdles

This is a difficult time of the year, not least because of the economic hangovers that follow from the excesses of the holiday season.

Those in the mood for change will undoubtedly look to the start of a new year as a good time to undergo a systematic makeover. For law firms, this may present an opportunity to embark upon a period of detoxification to purge negative organisational energy.

Some of the undesirable energy may be caused by partner frustration with peers in meeting billing requirements. It could also be the result of a lack of adequate communication by senior management on key developments.

The consequence is that partners who were once highly motivated and passionate about ensuring the firm’s success become angry and bitter. A hostile working environment then ensues in which conflicts are high and protective silo-based behaviours hinder opportunities to cross-sell to clients.

Some would advocate taking a hardball approach and forcibly removing ‘toxic’ partners from the firm in these situations. However, this would be a mistake, as it would deprive the firm of some of its most passionately driven partners and create a breeding ground for resentment among those who remain.

As the old proverb says, don’t cut off your nose to spite your face: it would be more prudent to discover and resolve the causes of the underlying issues. This month, we look at how to detect and cure corrosive firmwide energy, while retaining valuable partners.

Ultimately, taking the time to understand and redirect the energy of conflicted partners can help the firm to become fighting fit and not lose vital talent to competitors because of disgruntlement. And isn’t that a good way to start an Olympic year?

Until next month,

Manju Manglani, Editor

mmanglani@wilmington.co.uk