I know that having an open management structure also works.

If you are the Partner in charge, provide your staff with the answers to questions.

As staff, ask these questions.

Do we have an annual business plan?
Can we have a copy?
How many clients do we have this year?
How does it compare to the last 3 years?
How much income from fees are we forecasting this year?
How does this compare to last year?
How much income in total is forecast for this year?
Is there a monthly accounts document that can be shared with a snapshot of how we are doing each
month?
What will our profit before tax be for the year?
How are any profits this year going to be used?
How have we been affected by the recession?
What areas are expected to expand and contract over the next two years?
What plans are in place to allow this to happen effectively?
Who is responsible for cost control?
What areas have been identified where we can save money?
How are salary increases worked out?
What are our forecasted income, costs and pre-tax profit for the 2010/11?
What is our average income per client in each department that comes to our law firm? (number of
years x £ per year)
What are the main threats to our profitability?
What are the main opportunities for growing our profitability?

When staff know more and trust the management they do the business themselves. No stick needed.