Q&A: More Listener Questions
By Next Level Pod on January 4th, 2023 in Uncategorized
We’re back again with more listener questions!
We’ve covered some great topics on the podcast over the past few weeks. We’ve talked about hiring coaches and consultants, compounding growth, building influence, and more.
These are important things to consider and we received a lot of great questions about them.
Today, we’re going to take some time to answer a few of these questions.
Question 1: How to Choose A Coach
Our first question was regarding choosing a coach. This listener wanted to know what they should consider to ensure they choose the best coach possible.
Melanie has done this multiple times in her firm. She knows firsthand that there is a lot of stuff to think about when hiring a coach.
Her first recommendation is to get recommendations. Go out to the community, talk to other business owners and law firm owners, and find out what experiences they’ve had. If you hire a coach based on a referral, you’ll be much more comfortable with them.
Additionally, look at the priorities for your business. Are you just going for a financial gain? Are you trying to improve how you operate internally? Are you looking to adjust how you operate as a leader? Narrow down what’s important to you and discuss those things with any potential coach.
You should also look for somebody who comes with some frameworks. They should have an approach or methodology. If they don’t, you’ll end up with someone who’s coming in like a psychologist and mainly focusing on your mindset.
Finally, consider the time commitment. You don’t want too much time commitment because that will take you away from your work. However, you also want to meet with them enough that you get results. Meeting with your coach once a month is probably a good cadence, depending on your preferences.
Question 2: Task Management Software
Another listener wanted to know how to choose the best task management software.
Our best advice is always to start simple. There are a lot of options out there and shiny new object syndrome is a slippery slope. Therefore, if you already have a practice management software with task management features, start there.
It’s challenging enough to start using a task management system and use it consistently. Adding an additional new software is just another layer of challenge. Figure out how your team responds to tasks, how to set up and use workflows, and if you get to a point where your current software is just not cutting it, then check out other software.
Question 3: How to Practice Reciprocity with Your Team
Finally, a listener asked how they can practice reciprocity with their team. They want to go beyond giving their team members gift cards every time they want to show appreciation.
Getting time with you will always be valuable to your team members. They want to know what’s important to you and where you’re going with the firm. Set up a regular cadence of sitting down with each of your direct reports and giving them time to share.
During these meetings, try to learn what your team members appreciate, as well. That will ensure you’re showing appreciation in a way that hits home and is seen as truly valuable to them.
If you want to hear more of this Q&A, check out Episode 074: Listener Questions.