Most law departments have underway at any time a number of improvement efforts. Adding content to part of the intranet, revising the evaluation process, negotiating discounts with a foreign agent – good department management never stands still.
Just as the definition of “matters” for a matter management system eludes precise definition, so too does the term “initiative.” [For an article that takes a first step toward a taxonomy of initiatives, see mine entitled “Worth the Investment,” 28 Legal Times (Jan. 24, 2005) or visit our website at Hildebrandt.com]
Much may be happening, but the department and its clients might not appreciate all the management initiatives. To keep track of your efforts to improve management in your department, track the change initiatives. Not only will you improve your project management and set better priorities, you will also be able to show your enlightened management goals.