Partner Performance and Retention

When a key partner is underperforming, disengaged, or being courted by a competitor, the cost of handling it badly is significant, and usually larger than it first appears. Robin has helped firms retain their most commercially valuable partners at critical moments, and has managed multiple partner exits in the past year, working towards outcomes that were clean, fair and professionally dignified for both sides.

A quick look at what you'll learn inside

WHAT THIS COVERS

Accelerating the success of your highest performers may seem unnecessary, though it is these people who almost invariably deliver the highest rate of return on your investment. They are often the most agile and receptive to new learning and the source of almost endless success stories.

Underperformance work sits wherever a partner’s performance or position has become a risk to the firm. Retention when a competitor is circling. Difficult conversations that keep getting postponed. Partner exits. Lateral integration when established cliques make it hard for a new hire to settle. Senior appointments and leadership transition. Individuals who’ve gone through partner exits with Robin’s involvement have fed back that they felt well supported during what seemed like the worst time of their working life. Bad leavers are expensive in ways that rarely appear on a single line in a firm’s accounts.

OUR CLIENTS

What this really looks like day to day

HOW THIS SHOWS UP IN PRACTICE

An ambitious, acquisitive mid-sized regional law firm had its highest-billing partner in active conversations with competitors. The managing partner identified the risk early and brought Robin in. More than ten years on, that partner is still with the firm, his role adjusted, his contribution undiminished, and he remains the firm’s most commercially significant partner. The intervention cost a fraction of what one month’s lost fees would have been.

ABOUT

WHY ROBIN

Robin has supported more than 500 senior leaders across professional services and beyond, in more than 20 countries, over 25 years.

He’s a former business owner and operator, and every engagement is handled with complete discretion.

WHAT CLIENTS SAY AFTER THE WORK

Real Results From Real Clients

I recently had a mentoring session with Robin to talk about my next career goal, and I honestly came away feeling so inspired and motivated. Robin has such a wonderful way of listening, understanding where you’re at, and then guiding you with thoughtful, practical advice that really resonates. He helped me look at my career progression as Head of Conveyancing from a fresh perspective and gave me so much clarity on what steps I can take next. What I appreciate most about Robin is how approachable and genuine he is — he creates such a safe and open space to reflect, share ideas, and really think about what’s possible. I’m so grateful for his time, encouragement, and insight. It’s rare to find someone who not only supports your ambitions but also helps you believe in them even more yourself.

“Working with Robin was a great experience for our firm. He helped us achieve our growth goals and improve our performance and collaboration. Robin is insightful and honest. He is an excellent choice for anyone who needs to boost their business.”

“The best way to sum up working with Robin is he just ‘gets it’. He was great at understanding me and our business and was able to help me in areas where I didn’t even realise I needed it.”

Robin is a truly insightful business leader who shares critical guidance that comes from his depth of real-world experience and never from a textbook. His style is enthusiastic and he’s a great listener too. Beware though, as he’s always ready to pose difficult questions and offer constructive criticism, which I personally believe is one of the greatest motivators for change. Time spent with Robin always delivers a significant ROI. I highly recommend him.

I have spent a year working with Robin to expand my industry knowledge, gain insight into other company's best practice. Can't recommend highly enough.

Robin knows his market really well, and is highly effective at helping to bring clarity to difficult situations. I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't benefit from his insights. He's a star.

I was in the process of preparing for the sale and privatisation of a Government owned business. Due to the transformation I was taking the business through in preparation for sale I had formed a new executive team for the future in the private sector. In order to ensure the team was "match fit" for the sale process and beyond I needed to develop the individuals and the team as a whole. We chose Robin based on the customer feedback rating he has, the quality of his proposition/methodology and the personal connection he made with the team. His approach was very structured, and the outputs were well-received by us all. It made a positive difference to the ability of the team to sell the business in front of the buyers ultimately resulting in a very successful sale.

A CONFIDENTIAL FIRST CONVERSATION

LET'S TALK

If what you’ve read is relevant to something you’re currently dealing with, the next step is a private conversation without obligation.

Every enquiry is treated in confidence from the outset. Share a few details below and Robin will respond personally, usually by email, with suitable times for an initial conversation.

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