News: Performance Management
Training needs highlighted at talent management conference
30 September 2008
Human resources and training managers in the country's legal firms are increasingly bracing themselves for new credit crunch challenges, a training and talent management delegation has heard.
One speaker at the conference, organised by industry publication The Lawyer, alluded to the effectiveness of mentoring schemes when it comes to tracking training's success, whether during trying times or 'normal' business conditions.
According to the publication, Jill McMillan, head of leadership and development for investment banking at Merrill Lynch Europe, told delegates "a crisis of confidence" is often experienced by individuals who progress from senior associate to partner or vice-president to managing director, for example.
"Being in an investment bank is not dissimilar to working with lawyers," she remarked.
"We're good at promoting on past business performance but not so good at identifying the people who will excel in the future," she added.
New leaders can better adapt to their increased responsibility with the help of a mentor or coach, Ms McMillan concluded.
During the conference, the Solicitors Regulation Authority also suggested that more training in communication skills is needed for the large number of law graduates who exhibit "poor" grammar and writing ability.
