Many times other firms ask me if we set objectives and goals for our attorneys. I say, “Absolutely.” Without goals, your practice can begin to drift and the general spirit of your attorney staff can ebb and flow.
Successful objectives setting within your firm:
Two hours max running time, maybe less
Informal and short talk by each attorney
Clear, concise thoughts from each attorney
Follow-up within a month to see how goal-setting is progressing
Goal-setting meetings don't have to be dry as bones
We sit down around every three months and talk about goals and how we’re achieving our objectives. I can’t tell you how beneficial that has been for my firm over years. We don’t just meet to meet; we get involved in real long term as well as short-term focus for ourselves.
Even though I’ve been practicing for 40 years, I am rejuvenated by other attorney’s approach to thing. I’m always open to new mindsets.
Years ago, I did away with these big formal goal setting performance meetings. They were too dry and boring. Our small informal gatherings have done wonders for our group. Our clients are getting some of the most highly skilled attorneys with positive energy and a desire to do their best. I’m not kidding or simply saying that.
Keeping your attorneys motivated, focused and letting them be a part of the strategy can prove to be invaluable to your practice. Clients notice the energy and spirit. It’s fairly simple and easy yet I see a lot of firms that make the annual objectives meeting thing attorneys and staff dread.
So I suggest brief, concise meetings every three months with true team participation. You’ll see. It works wonders.
