Partner in an international lawyers’ office

The business of a renowned corporate lawyer, a partner in a large German office, is dwindling. He has for some time held last place in the quarterly turnover and profit tables.

The head of department, as well as the agent of the German management, convey a loss of faith which could eventually lead to problems with his position in the firm, although no deadline is specified yet. While our client remains convinced of his expertise, he becomes increasingly insecure about his future and the future of the lawyers in his team. A highly qualified specialist and very committed young lawyer in the client’s team sees his chance for a junior partnership fade if he remains with the department, and he is beginning to re-orient himself in another direction. At the same time the client finds himself in a difficult private situation, as his son has developed a serious illness which is likely to require a long treatment.

Relationship Management

In coaching he soon notices that he has become isolated at work and has tried to solve his problem by “sitting it out”, as he puts it. He no longer senses the partnership as a secure place, but has not been sure whether he wanted to abandon the place.

Together with his Change Group coach, he reflects on his relationship with his partners, and wins a greater understanding of his head of department and his management. At the same time he recognizes how meaningful the young lawyers on his team are to him. He decides on more open communication at work and declares himself ready to make some concessions in order to stimulate his business and make lasting improvements in his turnover. Through an analysis of his expectations and personal wishes he recognizes that it is important to him to keep finding his motivation inside the partnership.

Making and Acting Upon Decisions

After six months’ work with one of our coaches, he cooperates intensively with the other locations and works together with a partner from another city on constructing a new business territory. His motivation and satisfaction are also noticeable in private, where he can support his wife and son through the therapy phase.