Balancing Leadership and Hands-On Work: How Managers Can Support Marketing and Business Development Teams at Law Firms

Posted by

Kate Harry Shipham

Posted on

Aug 30, 2024

In the fast-paced environment of a law firm, the marketing and business development (BD) teams play a critical role in driving growth and visibility. As a manager, it can be challenging to balance leadership duties with the hands-on work your team needs. However, effective managers know that sometimes rolling up their sleeves is the best way to support their team. Here's how managers can strategically engage in hands-on work while still leading effectively.

1. Identify Critical Gaps and Prioritize

Before diving into any project, assess where your team needs the most help. Are there recurring tasks that are holding up progress? Are there skill gaps within your team? By identifying where your input is most needed, you can prioritize your involvement in areas that will have the most significant impact. For example, you might step in to craft a key proposal or spearhead a high-stakes client pitch while leaving other tasks to your team.

2. Be a Resource, Not a Bottleneck

While hands-on work can be beneficial, it's essential to avoid becoming a bottleneck. Managers can sometimes get too involved, slowing down the process by holding onto tasks longer than necessary. The key is to be a resource who guides and supports the team without taking over their responsibilities. Offering input at critical stages and being available for quick problem-solving sessions allows the team to maintain momentum while benefiting from your expertise.

3. Empower Your Team with the Right Tools and Training

Sometimes, managers get involved in hands-on work because the team lacks the necessary skills or tools to handle tasks efficiently. Instead of continually stepping in, focus on empowering your team by providing the right resources, tools, and training. Whether it's investing in marketing automation software or offering upskilling workshops, equipping your team with what they need to succeed will reduce the need for your direct involvement over time.

4. Leverage Your Expertise for High-Value Projects

As a manager, your expertise should be reserved for the projects that matter most. Law firm marketing and BD initiatives often involve complex, high-stakes activities like launching a new practice area, rebranding, or developing strategic partnerships. In these scenarios, your hands-on involvement can be crucial. By focusing on the high-value projects where your strategic input is most needed, you can drive better outcomes while still allowing your team to manage day-to-day operations.

5. Delegate with Clear Guidance

When you do need to jump into hands-on work, make sure that the tasks you delegate in the meantime are clearly defined. Provide your team with clear guidelines, expectations, and timelines. This allows you to focus on the hands-on work without worrying about other projects stalling. It also ensures that your team feels empowered and trusted to take on responsibilities independently.

6. Create a Culture of Collaboration

Being a hands-on manager doesn't mean taking over your team's work. Instead, create a culture of collaboration where everyone, including you, can pitch in as needed. In law firms, where deadlines can be tight and client demands high, fostering a team-oriented approach can help you move quickly and adapt to challenges. Encourage open communication so that your team feels comfortable reaching out for help when they need it, knowing that you're there to support them.

7. Set Boundaries and Avoid Micromanagement

It's important to strike a balance between being involved and micromanaging. Managers should avoid getting so hands-on that they undermine their team's autonomy. Set clear boundaries by outlining when you'll step in and when your team is expected to take the lead. Trust your team to manage tasks within their expertise while you focus on providing strategic direction and high-level oversight.

Final Thoughts

For managers in law firm marketing and BD departments, finding the right balance between leadership and hands-on work is key to supporting your team effectively. By strategically choosing where and when to get involved, empowering your team with the right tools, and fostering a culture of collaboration, you can ensure that your involvement adds value without stifling your team's growth. In doing so, you'll position your team-and your firm-for long-term success.