Page 33 - Strategic Planning for Law Firms

Strategic Planning for Law Firms
Seeking Feedback from Your Team
Before starting strategic planning, you want your team’s feedback and input about the content, scope and purpose of the firm’s proposed strategic plan. Remember,
a strategic plan isn’t intended to tackle everything, big and small. It should tackle three to five overarching goals. You want
your team’s input about what those goals should be and how to achieve them. You should ask everyone individually “If you could improve five things about the firm, what would they be?” You then distill those five things from everyone and see if there are common themes.
Communicating with Your Team
When starting the strategic planning process, inform your team what it is, why you’re doing it
and how you will conduct it. (Each firm defines “team” differently – first define who comprises yourteam.) Letthemknowtheirinputisvaluableandwillbeconsidered.Theywillreceivea survey where they can share their thoughts, feelings and opinions. By explaining to your team the process and having them participate, you help ensure their cooperation and buy in.
Power of Surveys
Surveys are a powerful tool. As customers, we’re asked by hotels, restaurants and retail stores about our experiences. We ask our clients about their experiences. Companies ask their employees about their thoughts and ideas. Consider preparing surveys for your team, through a survey platform such as Survey Monkey or an online WORD document, to secure their input. You will find it invaluable. The best surveys are ones that require the respondent to answer a question as opposed to simply choosing a response from a list.
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SECTION 05 TAKING THE FIRM’S TEMPERATURE