Published: 06 June 2023
Rearranging your org chart is not the only way to solve “structure problems.” In fact, it’s the hardest way. Before seeking approvals for org chart change (and inciting panic), legal leaders should consider lower-effort, less frightening solutions in their governance and operating models.
Most legal leaders still think of organizational structure in overly narrow terms (i.e., simply the org chart), which artificially limits the solution set for their functions’ most difficult problems.
Legal leaders often view reorgs as the solution to structure problems without fully understanding what problems they are solving for. This is a mistake.
Redesigning the operating model and/or governance is normally the best way to eliminate silos, rein in costs, gain efficiencies or improve quality.
Before blowing up your legal department org chart:
Determine whether an org chart adjustment would really help. Assess what type of problem you have before assuming
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