Hay Group Reports on Law Firm Leadership

The Hay Group has just releases a report on the correlation between partner performance and leadership.  They compared "average" partners to "outstanding" partners along with an analysis of leadership styles.  In a nutshell, they concluded:

• Outstanding partners used a broader range of leadership styles.  70% of the outstanding leaders used four or more of the six defined leadership styles, compared to only 40% of the average group.  The leadership styles are defined as Directive, Visionary, Affiliative, Participative, Paceseting and Coaching.
• Outstanding lawyers were more visionary - providing perspective and context while reinforcing firm values, twice as participative - involving peers and others in decision making, and more effective coaches, providing mentoring and long term development.
• There were also more affiliative, expressing concern for individuals and their personal needs and concerns.  Outstanding lawyers were also more directive, giving specific direction and focused on immediate action. 

Bottom line:  The lawyers who were able to be more flexible in their style by using various styles for different situations were more effective leaders in their firms. 

For a summary of the research go here.  Free subscription required.