It’s hard to believe that 2013 is already drawing to a close. Companies are throwing holiday parties, preparing their gift drives, and celebrating the closing of a (hopefully) profitable and successful year. But behind the scenes, there are other plans being made at the end of the year. There are the plans for the start of a brand new year, and all the possibilities that lie ahead. With the beginning of 2014, companies are offered a fresh slate to pursue new clients, implement new policies, and drive toward increased profit and growth. In our office, we look to see the ways in which we can improve firm organization, communication, policies, and possibilities. The following are ways that you can start 2014 off fresh, and set the tone for a successful and purpose-filled year.

Where can we improve?

While this question is important to ask year round, asking the company leadership where they see holes in progress, production, and stability, allows the management to sit down with teams and develop a plan for the year. Is there an issue with communication? Write down three ways in which they can improve this problem; assign project owners to focus on this goal and to be a champion for its success. Arrange quarterly staff meetings where employees have an opportunity to express concerns and award them feedback. Honestly seeking where a company needs improvement is the first step in setting up systems that can improve these issues.

Are your current policies and systems working?

While this question somewhat falls under “where can we improve?” – it is important to truly evaluate the current structure that employees operate on a daily basis. If you feel that employees need a stronger review and evaluation process, rework the process. Our firm has gone through a process of evaluating the needs of our employees and seeing what review process benefits them the most. It is important to never forget the importance of empowering employees, and to give them the best structures possible for success within their roles. Another example of this within in our own organization is having clear and efficient manuals for the teams within the firm. We want to ensure that employees have the best tools available to them, and know where and when to reach out for answers. Don’t be afraid to change policies, procedures, and systems. Just because it is what you’ve always done is not a good reason to keep it. If it is not helping your company and your employees grow and improve, then find a way that does. Ask for employee input. Anything that remains stagnant for too long stands the chance of being less effective.

What do you want out of this New Year?

What does your organization truly want out of this year? Casting a clear and concise vision is vital to the success of everyone involved in the organization. If you want to have a stellar fiscal year, establish a new client base, create a new “Google-minded” culture, or increase your manpower two times over, set the tone for that vision. Make it clear to the company that this is the direction you’re headed. If everyone is on the same boat, they will be more likely to fight for that vision alongside you. If you see resistance in this vision, discuss it. This is the time to evaluate if your organization and your employees believe in the same values and goals. Don’t be afraid to fight for that vision if you know it will grow and benefit your organization.

Here’s to you and a successful 2014!

The Culture Counts blog is a discussion of law firm culture and legal innovation, including topics such as effective leadership, employee engagement, workplace culture, ideal work environment, company core values, and workplace productivity.  

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About the Firm:

Klemchuk LLP is a litigation, intellectual property, transactional, and international business law firm dedicated to protecting innovation. The firm provides tailored legal solutions to industries including software, technology, retail, real estate, consumer goods, ecommerce, telecommunications, restaurant, energy, media, and professional services. The firm focuses on serving mid-market companies seeking long-term, value-added relationships with a law firm. Learn more about experiencing law practiced differently and our local counsel practice.

The firm publishes Intellectual Property Trends (latest developments in IP law), Conversations with Innovators (interviews with thought leaders), Leaders in Law (insights from law leaders), Culture Counts (thoughts on law firm culture and business), and Legal Insights (in-depth analysis of IP, litigation, and transactional law).