Issue 7 2020

Acquisition International - Issue 7 2020 33 360 Feedback For Law firms – Finally Fixed Contact: Michael Coates Email: Michael@protostar-uk.com Telephone: +44 (0) 191 3855455 Web Address: www.protostar-uk.com/360feedback-lawfirmpartners Passmore Consulting Email: Crispin.Passmore@passmoreconsulting.co.uk “The ability to both give and receive constructive feedback is often seen as a strength, yet relatively few individuals actually enjoy being the provider and even fewer like being on the receiving end,” says Crispin. “This is a common dilemma with professionals who know that to improve they should elicit such feedback, but are fearful of highlighting any shortcomings that could hinder an upcoming promotion. The legal profession is no stranger to this scenario, yet still the focus is often on individuals meeting billing targets.” “While doing this for a wide range of managers at the Solicitors Regulation Authority in the UK, I came across one of their executive directors, Crispin Passmore, who now runs Passmore Consulting, and met a number of former law firm partners. They explained that their previous experience of 360s, to put it lightly, had not been a positive one, and I was keen to find out why.” To tackle these challenges, Michael and Crispin’s 360s allow individuals to assess themselves online against a comprehensive range of statements such as: • Demonstrates an awareness of the politics within the firm but is not overtly political in approach • Understands and responds effectively to new entrants to the legal market • Actively seeks out sustainable revenue streams and ensures other staff do so too Their manager or board member will then also rate the individual, along with colleagues and direct reports. Responses and development suggestions keyed into the system are anonymous and the report is only seen by the individual and the Protostar consultant, who is there to both explain the feedback and help the construction of development plan. Now that the 360-feedback process for the legal sector is fixed, there is nothing to stop progressive law firms from ensuring their partners have detailed personal development plans. “The ability to both give and receive constructive feedback is often seen as a strength, yet relatively few individuals actually enjoy being the provider and even fewer like being on the receiving end. This is a common dilemma with professionals who know that to improve they should elicit such feedback, but are fearful of highlighting any shortcomings that could hinder an upcoming promotion.” Crispin Passmore, Passmore Consulting