People with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) know how hard it can be to focus. Every detail demands attention at once, and the “software” for deciding how to rank priorities and attending to them is on the blink.
Like people, organizations can suffer from an inability to focus, prioritize, and attend effectively to urgent matters. Risk factors for “organizational ADD” include workplaces where understanding the process isn’t a priority and workplaces where individuals may not see one another for days, weeks, or even months at a time. This can easily happen in a legal department that is part of a global company, or a law firm where partners spend most of their time in negotiations, depositions, or litigation.
Many companies face some degree of organizational ADD. Fewer know how to overcome it.
Beat Organizational ADD With the Right People
Hiring the right people can do much to focus the organization, support its endeavors, and ensure an efficient process that responds proactively to challenges. The right staff members have strengths and weaknesses that complement one another. They’re willing to let one another take on a leadership role when needed, then step back when the crisis has passed. They deal with problems – professional and personal – before they explode.
When adding the people your organization needs to focus, consider:
- Balance the workload. Adding a new legal support staff member or associate helps an organization ensure that every staff member has enough time to get their work done. When you choose new staff, consider the strengths and weaknesses of your current employees. Choose a person who can help fill “skills gaps” or supplement areas of weakness in order to better balance the workload.
- Choose staff who are focused on common goals. An “us-vs.-them” mindset within an organization can destroy focus and teamwork quickly. Choose new staff who actively look for the common goals between work groups and departments and who work toward them. Focusing on common goals increases efficiency as well as improving teamwork.
- Talk to your staffing partner. Staffing firms specialize in finding the people organizations need to overcome organizational ADD and other hurdles. Your staffing partner can help you develop a strategic staffing plan that addresses your organization’s needs in the long term.
At Kent Legal, our experienced recruiters can help you find the people you need to put your organization back on the right track. As the top legal support recruiting firm in Toronto, we understand the nuances of your business or legal department and have the necessary talent to help your organization thrive. Contact us today to learn more.