Growth Partners : 8 skills, beliefs & behaviours shaping law firm leadership in 2024.

Growth Partners : 8 skills, beliefs & behaviours shaping law firm leadership in 2024.

Law firms have always had to adapt to change to remain profitable and relevant to clients, but 2024 looks to be the year in which law firm leadership experiences a transformative shift.

Take a look at Accenture’s new Pulse of Change Index, a conflux of factors fueled by advances in generative AI are driving an all-time-high rate of change across the business landscape, and it’s accelerating. To meet evolving client expectations, the questions around how law firms operate, how partnerships are structured and how leadership models adapt are truly at the top of every firm’s agenda.

The big question though is, do you have the right Partners in place making the right decisions, who can deliver today and also help to shape a future-ready firm? A new leadership identikit is emerging, one that is distinguishable by a specific set of skills, beliefs and behaviours, and one that potentially re-evaluates success metrics... 

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Lawyers who love to coach : an oxymoron, or industry game-changer?

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Lawyers who love to coach : an oxymoron, or industry game-changer?

Outside of law, it seems every profession is having a ‘love-in’ on coaching. Maybe Showtime’s Dr. Wendy Rhoades captured the zeitgeist in the TV hit Billions, but a once-in-a-generation health crisis has helped summon a perfect storm for performance coaches, career coaches, business coaches, leadership coaches, and sales coaches the world over.

In law firms though, coaching is still mostly seen as remedial in purpose. The message sent to lawyers: if you have a problem, you are not delivering, then you can have a coach to ‘fix’ it. Not really a vote of confidence, a perk, an opportunity to maximize your productivity, career, practice, leadership skills or make your millions, like Wendy’s traders at Axe Capital.

But it’s changing, and as someone who has passed through pre-law, law school, legal training, internship, mentoring, and speaks daily to Australia’s finest Partners, I have a working theory about why; lawyering favours those who can synthesise complex information, but the relentless pace of change today is ‘running interference’ with a natural tendency towards perfectionism, and hard deadlines. Post-COVID, directly or indirectly I increasingly hear:

Navigating Growth: The Evolution of Leadership in Modern Business

Navigating Growth: The Evolution of Leadership in Modern Business

In the fast-paced world of modern business, growth, leadership, and transformation are intertwined like never before. Just like cutting-edge machines require adept operators, today's businesses demand a new breed of leaders to steer them through the complexities of the digital age.

Meet the executive growth leader, a vital player in the modern selling landscape. As companies delve into digital transformation and AI, it's crucial not to overlook the importance of leadership. According to Chris Hummel, Managing Director at the Revenue Enablement Institute, the key to successful sales and marketing transformation lies in adept change management and leadership, rather than purely technical prowess.

Mastering Negotiation: A Summary to Effective Collaboration

Mastering Negotiation: A Summary to Effective Collaboration

Peace isn’t just ink on paper; it’s a skilful approach to resolving conflicts when they arise. Roger Fisher, a luminary in the field of negotiation, asks the burning questions: Why do negotiations often turn sour? Why do parties defend their interests to the hilt, only to reach a stalemate? Fisher asserts that this pattern is common but not inevitable. In his groundbreaking work, "Getting to Yes," he offers a fresh perspective on negotiation, advocating for a method that not only achieves results but also preserves relationships. Let’s delve into his insights.

Unlocking Growth Through Small Steps

Unlocking Growth Through Small Steps

In our quest for self-improvement, we often chase after grand transformations, only to find ourselves falling short. However, there's a powerful alternative: embracing small, incremental changes that accumulate over time to yield significant results.

Many of us are driven by a desire to better ourselves, striving to identify and address our weaknesses. It's a noble pursuit, reminiscent of characters like Mr. Spock from Star Trek, where rationality and emotion find a delicate balance. We seek improvement without sacrificing our humanity.

Embracing Habits: A Pathway to Success in Life

Embracing Habits: A Pathway to Success in Life

When it comes to shaping our future, nothing wields more power than our daily habits.

We all have aspirations, big or small, driving us forward in life. Whether it's hitting a financial milestone, shedding a few pounds, or finally penning that novel, setting goals is often the initial step toward manifesting our dreams.

But here's the thing: goals are like destinations on a map, while habits are the routes we take to get there. They're the silent engines driving our daily lives, either propelling us toward success or holding us back.

Elevating Growth Leadership through Coaching: A Comprehensive Overview

Elevating Growth Leadership through Coaching: A Comprehensive Overview

The coaching industry is not just booming; it’s transforming. Expected to reach a value of $27.5 billion by 2026, coaching is proving its worth with each passing year. But what exactly is coaching, and why is it gaining so much traction?

Former general counsel Claire Bibby and former law firm partner Lara Wentworth both left legal practice in 2020 and helped co-found global lawyer coaching outfit Coaching Advocates. They believe the essence of coaching lies in its ability to provide leaders with clarity and focus. As they delve into the topic, three compelling reasons emerge for leaders to embrace coaching:

Discovering Your True Values: Navigating Crisis with Purpose

Discovering Your True Values: Navigating Crisis with Purpose

In the midst of the new economy sparked by the coronavirus outbreak, it’s clear that our values are undergoing a profound test. Yet, within this challenge lies a unique opportunity for self-reflection, reconnection, and yes, perhaps even a bit of bread-making.

This pandemic wasn’t just a health crisis; it's a multifaceted challenge touching on our financial stability, emotional well-being, and social fabric. While it was tempting to retreat and wait for normalcy to return, it allowed us a moment to delve deeper into our identities.

Many of us are realizing that the superficial markers of success we once prized – our possessions, job titles, or addresses – pale in comparison to the intrinsic values that truly sustain us.

Embracing Failure: A Pathway to Growth

Embracing Failure: A Pathway to Growth

Failure, though often feared, is a remarkable teacher. It provides invaluable lessons, shaping our understanding of what works and what doesn't. Rather than waiting for failure to find us, actively seeking it out can equip us with the knowledge to tackle future obstacles more effectively.

Mistakes are our guides. They illuminate the paths we shouldn't take, helping us navigate through challenges with greater wisdom.

In the pursuit of success, failure is an inevitable companion. We meticulously plan, gather resources, and embark on our journey, only to find detours and roadblocks along the way. Yet, these setbacks offer opportunities for growth. Reflecting on our failures allows us to refine our strategies and improve our approach for the next endeavor.

Mastering the Art of Everyday Success

Mastering the Art of Everyday Success

In the journey of life, positioning ourselves for success is key. It's like building a sturdy house—those in a strong position weather storms better than those in weak ones.

But here's the catch: strong positions aren't luck; they're the result of consistent, deliberate choices over time.

You might wonder, if it's that simple, why doesn't everyone do it? Well, the answer lies in the unnoticed nature of these choices. There's no immediate reward for doing right or punishment for doing wrong.

Unlocking Growth: Embracing Open-Mindedness

Unlocking Growth: Embracing Open-Mindedness

Ever wonder why some folks seem to constantly elevate their game while others find themselves trapped in a cycle of repeating mistakes? It's all in the mindset.

Picture this: you encounter something unexpected, a glitch in the matrix of your everyday life. These anomalies, as we call them, are more than just oddities; they're golden opportunities for growth. How you react to these moments speaks volumes about your openness to new ideas.

Closed-minded individuals? They tend to brush anomalies aside, preferring the comfort of their existing beliefs. But the open-minded? They dive in headfirst, hungry to understand. Sure, it's not always easy. Sometimes, it means letting go of cherished notions. But the payoff? It's worth it.

Growth Leadership: New leadership for a new ‘pedal to the metal’ world

Growth Leadership: New leadership for a new ‘pedal to the metal’ world

Business leaders are grappling with unprecedented change, fuelled by rapid advancements in generative AI, according to Accenture’s Pulse of Change index. While 60% of executives view change as an opportunity, 52% don’t feel ready for it in 2024. A new leadership model is emerging to meet these challenges. Dubbed ‘Growth Leaders,’ these executives possess distinct traits and behaviours that enable them to drive both operational success and transformative change. Studies suggest that around 14-16% of current executives fit this mould, with potential for further development. These leaders prioritize self-care, continuous learning, and customer-centricity while fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces. With traditional leadership falling short, the need for Growth Leaders is paramount, as exemplified by Microsoft's turnaround under Satya Nadella’s leadership. In a rapidly evolving landscape, CEOs must prioritize identifying and cultivating Growth Leaders to ensure their companies thrive amidst change.

Elevating Team Performance: Embracing the 85% Rule

Elevating Team Performance: Embracing the 85% Rule

In today's relentless work environment, the adage of "maximum effort equals maximum results" has lost its efficacy. Instead, a paradigm shift towards the 85% rule offers a promising solution. By reframing our approach to productivity and well-being, managers can foster a culture of sustainable performance. This excerpt explores practical strategies for implementing the 85% rule and its transformative impact on team dynamics.

Rethinking Employee Wellbeing: Beyond Burnout Towards a Wholesome Approach

Rethinking Employee Wellbeing: Beyond Burnout Towards a Wholesome Approach

In today's workplace, prioritising employee well-being goes beyond tackling burnout—it's about nurturing holistic health. Research shows that holistic health uniquely influences work outcomes, urging organisations to rethink their approach. By implementing interventions at various levels—organisational, team, job, and individual—employers can foster a healthier workforce, leading to improved performance and long-term success.

Nurturing a Growth Mindset: Essential for Organisational Success

Nurturing a Growth Mindset: Essential for Organisational Success

In today's dynamic world, success depends not only on strategy but also on mindset. A growth mindset, marked by a commitment to learning and resilience, is crucial for organizational triumph. It fosters curiosity, learning agility, and a positive response to failure, propelling organizations toward continuous improvement and innovation. Embracing a growth mindset is essential for navigating uncertainty and achieving long-term success.

Discover the 10 Hidden Keys to Thriving with Age

Discover the 10 Hidden Keys to Thriving with Age

Embark on a journey of discovery as we unveil the hidden secrets of healthy longevity. Beyond the basics of diet and exercise lies a treasure trove of lesser-known strategies to thrive with age. From optimizing sleep and cultivating resilience to exploring the power of biohacking and mindful supplementation, there's a world of possibilities waiting to be explored. Join us as we delve into the nuances of aging with intention, purpose, and vitality. It's time to unlock the door to a lifetime of well-being and fulfillment.