Sink or Swim Costs You Talent
Many firms unintentionally lose their best young people simply because nobody ever took the time to guide them personally. Firms that recognise, invest in and appreciate their people early tend to attract and keep the most talented staff.
Coach One or Two People at a Time
Taking a young associate on sales calls, to a networking event, or even home for a meal and talking honestly about what real success looks like, builds a relationship that pays off for years, even if that associate eventually leaves your firm.
Be Friendly, Frank, Fair and Firm
This simple 4-word formula for coaching does not need to take more than an hour a week, but it needs to be consistent to genuinely build a pipeline of future leaders inside your firm.
Final Thoughts
A formal coaching or mentoring program can meaningfully change how loyal, capable and confident your young staff becomes over time. Pick one promising associate this month and commit to a regular, consistent coaching relationship with them. An hour a week given consistently tends to matter far more than a single big gesture.
