Practice Development Counsel

TREAT PEOPLE WELL. Studies have shown that people increase their productivity as well as satisfaction when they are treated well.

"They crave recognition." Give it to them whenever deserved.
Give people opportunitiy to learn new skills; cross-functional transfers.
Show respect for individuals as well as for their desire for personal lives. Show care for them as people.
Give opportunity for speaking up, expressing opinions on work and the work environment - and listen!
Do "upward evaluations" and "360 evaluations."
Provide opportunity to do work they feel is making a difference.
Ask professionals to draft a 3-5 year plan of where they want to be and what resources they need to get there. (Ask them to think big.) Make an effort to support their plans.
Consider flexibility in the partner track (like McKinsey's new policy).
Find a way to provide mentoring, even by multiple sources.
Encourage people to cross-fertilize and cross-sell their practices. Recognize time spent on this.
Build in financial rewards over time to encourage people to stay.
Involve families and significant others in social events, community activities, firm communications.
Interview laterals two months after they join to get their observations, likes, dislikes and suggestions.
Annually survey attorneys and staff for constructive ideas, what needs improvement.
Be gracious when people leave, don't burn bridges and welcome alumni back from dot-coms, etc.
Encourage people to understand themselves and what's important to them (use instrumented learning, assessment tools) so they will not leave for situations that are not right for them.
Give people opportunity for using their talents beyond billable work for clients (self expression, social contribution).
Offer treats: have partners wait on associates and staff in some way (serve breakfast, etc.) Employee Appreciation - morale boosting for staff.

STRATEGIES FOR INCREASING LOYALTY AND SATISFACTION

LOYALTY GENERATORS

PERKS