Tip to Trans4m - Politics, the Grim Reaper

Are you in an environment where no significant decisions are made or implemented or where the voices of the loud minority seem to be the only ones that are heard? Are there obvious ‘camps’ in your firm? Do some senior managers feel they cannot speak openly? Do you have a high turnover of staff?

If you answered yes to the above, then chances are you may be working in an unhealthy political culture.

Politics at senior levels is like the grim reaper – it will slowly and insidiously spread throughout your firm and stifle creativity, freedom of speech and empowerment of staff. Over time, politics can be a major cause of firms not reaching their full potential and as a result the owners of the firm take home less money than they would otherwise do in a thriving business where creativity and opinions are welcome.

 A healthy apolitical environment is one where:

• There is strong and clear leadership;
• Robust discussion is promoted where all arguments for and against an idea are heard;
• Issues are raised with appropriate persons (only) and not ‘gossiped’ about;
• Confidentiality and privacy is observed at all times;
• Managers and Board members are empowered and supported;
• White-anting of any individual or group is actively not tolerated;
• Decisions are made by the appropriate level of management and successfully implemented.

If your legal firm culture is stopping you from moving forward contact us [email protected] for a confidential discussion on how we can help.