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The One Minute Manager . . . . .

An important career step for senior associates, and their firm, is developing the soft skills of leadership, client relations, and business development. The success of the firm is dependent upon building future partners with these strengths.

This skill building stage, however, requires a different approach than the traditional academic studies of law school. Firms are beginning to recognize the power of coaching in the development of these soft skills.

Coaching is unlike mentoring. While mentoring provides the sharing of wisdom and experience, an effective coach provides a safe dialogue that will also offer continuous training, counseling to reduce inhibitors, confronting to engage performance, and encouragement to succeed. It is a slower process that requires more patience than most senior partners are accustomed to providing.

The effectiveness of soft-skill training skyrockets with the continuous feedback provided by a coach. Both behaviour and results greatly improve whereas providing the training alone generates minimal results. We have all experienced attending a training exercise with great enthusiasm but quickly return to our former ways shortly afterwards.

Developing internal coaching skills within the firm will add an important dimension to the firm?s culture. Support, encouragement, and improved skills will improve lawyer retention and bolster the bottom line. As an introduction to this newly developed discipline, I would suggest that you add The Heart of Coaching by Thomas Crane to your library.

You may want to consider a business development workshop/coaching series that our consulting practice is offering for a limited number of attendees on June 12, 2007. You may contact me, or click here for more details.