Responding fast and right, adaptability, flexibility. These are synonyms for agility. It is also a frequently discussed topic that raises many questions. But what is it exactly? How does it work? Why does a law firm need it?
It is an approach and culture that should primarily help lawyers in running the entire law firm, bringing order, systematicity, speed, organization, and most importantly, efficiency. But is that really the case, and what does it entail?
Agility is a company-wide change
First and foremost, it is important to realize that if you embark on the path of agility, it means a shift in all areas. It is not just a partial change but a change in the overall functioning of the company. It applies to employees and management, as well as technologies, client relationships, suppliers, and the company’s approach to change, opportunities, or new tools. Agile transformation involves changing everything to move the company forward.
So, what does it look like in an agile company? Firstly – people
People who are involved in the entire process are absolutely crucial. In an agile environment, teams are formed that can respond flexibly and quickly to any situation and can resolve them rapidly and efficiently. Each team member knows their task, knows how to accomplish it, and is accountable for it. No one wastes time on activities that do not contribute to the efficient completion of the task. Overall productivity increases. All team members collaborating on a task have visibility into its current stage. There is also a change in management style, where managers become team leaders, motivating their employees to achieve better results and develop their skills. Communication and collaboration play a key role, and everything is interconnected.
Secondly – technology
Technology is an integral part of the entire process, becoming a helper in effectively managing the company and being used by practically all departments. This facilitates the work for all employees, eliminating the need for tedious activities such as form filling, data entry in tables, or lengthy email communication when dealing with a task.
Thirdly – processes
With the help of all these tools and approaches, the company does not stagnate; it adapts to constantly changing conditions and utilizes all possible opportunities to streamline its work. It harnesses the potential of its people more, increases billable hours, shortens process and task durations, simplifies document and case management, streamlines invoicing, facilitates report generation, and so on. In short, it strengthens relationships at all levels, the team becomes more efficient, work is organized and better managed, and the company is prepared for further opportunities.
A step forward
This is what an agile company should look like. All the aforementioned tools and approaches are truly capable of propelling the company forward in the right direction because effective collaboration, communication, employee care, and similar activities are never redundant, no matter how we label them.