The Importance of Developing Leaders
Timothy C. Lynch
by Timothy C. Lynch
I recently attended a GGI conference in the Bahamas and several of the programmes centered around the development of the next generation of leaders. There was no debate about the central importance of this issue. Leadership is a key management function that helps create the vision for the organisation, and it helps provide guidance and motivation when it comes to getting the organisation to meet its goals. Leaders are the bridge between the employer and its employees.
What was clear from the sessions on leadership is that while all of our members see the importance of developing leaders, there are many ways to go about doing it - from formal, structured programmes to the more common hands-on/real-time apprenticeship approach to developing leaders. Some programmes focus on sales training while others take a more holistic approach. The goal of any leadership development programme should be to develop top talent, which shows strong leadership ability, so that they can manage organisational growth and encourage an entrepreneurial spirit. In the world of professional services that requires leaders to inspire and engage all critical stakeholders.
Leadership development can and should happen at many levels of your organisation. In addition to standard law firm leadership roles, committee roles and special interest groups play an important leadership development role at Offit Kurman. They provide an opportunity and environment for the employees at every level to participate in leadership, and it gives them an opportunity to share their perspectives on how to help make Offit Kurman a better law firm and a better place to work.
Some take aways from the programme in the Bahamas on issues to consider for a leadership development programme at your firm are:
Understand your objectives for the programme. If you do not know where you intend to go as a leader – any road will take you there.
Know your people. Different people respond to the same message differently, so adjust your message and approach accordingly to reach your audience. That said, leadership is not for everyone.
Actions mean more than words. Doers are more respected than talkers at most organisations. Give the developing leaders meaningful projects.
Provide Opportunities. The programmes that give its participants the opportunity and obligation to lead and solve problems will build confidence and credibility for the next generation.
Accountability. Leadership is not a popularity contest and decisions must be owned.
Soft skills matter. This is a people business so programmes need to focus on decision-making, communication, relationship building, empathy and strategic thinking.
Trust matters. Deliver on what you promise and be transparent on how you do it – that builds trust in leadership.
Forward-thinking. Henry Ford once said, “If I asked people what they wanted, they would have said a faster horse.” Leaders cannot be satisfied with the faster horse so teach your people the importance of higher level thought.
Offit Kurman is a full-service law firm that serves dynamic businesses, individuals and families. With 16 offices and nearly 250 lawyers, Offit Kurman provides innovative and entrepreneurial counsel that focuses on clients’ business objectives across more than 30 areas of practice.
Timothy C. Lynch is the President of Offit Kurman. He is also a member of the firm's Executive Committee. As such, he is responsible for all of the lawyer operations at the firm and he is heavily involved in the daily operations and strategic planning for the firm. Before moving into these roles, he chaired the Commercial Litigation Practice group at the firm. Tim Lynch is Global Chair of the GGI Practice Group Best Practices for Professional Service Organisations. Contact Tim.
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