Learning & Development

It is important to understand the challenges to implementing 360-degree feedback in a team setting to gain the anticipated benefits of increased individual self-awareness, transparent communication and ultimately improved team performance.

This study examines managerial success and failure of mid-level attorney managers in becoming senior attorney managers in law firms. Based on an Executive Inventory designed to measure a manager’s strengths and weaknesses, this study utilized surveys to gather information from senior law firm partners regarding the key managerial success and derailment themes of their mid-level lawyer managers. Over 30 subjects completed the surveys, testing five variables, including: ability in handling legal and business complexity; directing, motivating and developing subordinates; integrity; composure; and interpersonal skills. Results illustrated that managerial skills are perceived as higher in successful mid-level attorneys than they are in those who derail. 

Organizations in the current global competitive environment are under increasing pressure to innovate rapidly to deliver breakthrough ideas and products to the market in what has been described as a shift from a knowledge economy to a creativity economy (Berner, Brady, & Nussbaum, 2005).

Trust is a critical ingredient to ensuring a healthy team dynamic, with its absence dramatically hindering team success in any organizational context.