The FBFK Way describes the values, behaviors, principles, and practices that are the foundation of our culture of service and success. It explains how we relate to each other, our clients, and even other attorneys. It’s who we are, and it’s what drives our extraordinary service and success.
Do what you say you’re going to do, when you say you’re going to do it. This includes being on time for all phone calls, appointments, and meetings. If a commitment can’t be fulfilled, notify others early and agree on a new time for the deliverable.
Take pride in the quality of everything you do. Have a healthy disdain for mediocrity. Good is not good enough. Always ask yourself, “Is this my best?”
Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing in every action you take and in every decision you make, especially when no one’s looking. Always tell the truth, no matter the consequences. If you make a mistake, quickly own up to it, apologize, and make it right.
Listening is more than simply “not speaking.” Give others your undivided attention. Minimize the distractions and let go of the need to agree or disagree. Suspend your judgment and be curious to know more, rather than jumping to conclusions. Above all, listen to understand.
Speak honestly in a way that helps to make progress. Say what you mean, but be clear and concise. Be willing to ask questions, share ideas, or raise issues that may cause conflict when it’s necessary for team success. Be courageous enough to say what needs to be said. Address issues directly with those who are involved or affected.
With appropriate respect for confidentiality, share information with your colleagues. Learn to ask yourself, “Who else needs to know this?” Working together often generates better ideas and solutions than does working alone. Be inclusive.
Create clarity and avoid misunderstandings by discussing expectations upfront. Set expectations for others and ask when you’re not clear on what they expect of you. End all meetings with clarity about action items, responsibilities, and due dates.
Demonstrate a relentless solution focus, rather than pointing fingers or dwelling on problems. Identify lessons learned and use those lessons to improve, so we don’t make the same mistake twice. Get smarter with every mistake. Learn from every experience.
Be there for each other and be willing to step into another role or help a colleague. Don’t let your ego or your personal agenda get in the way of doing what’s best for the firm or our clients. Help each other to succeed.
Respond to questions and concerns quickly, whether it’s in person, by phone, or by e-mail. Always acknowledge that we got the inquiry and that we’re “on it.” Keep those involved updated on the status of outstanding issues.
Be a lifelong learner. Seek out and take advantage of every opportunity to gain more knowledge, to increase your skills, and to become a greater expert. Take care of your mental, physical, and emotional health as well. To be your best, you have to feel your best.
Start with the assumption that people are good, fair, and honest, and that the intent behind their actions is positive. Set aside your own judgments and preconceived notions. Give people the benefit of the doubt.
Your personal appearance makes a strong statement about the pride you take in your work. Dress neatly and professionally. The appearance of our office makes a similar statement about our professionalism. Take responsibility to see that our office environment is clean and neat.
You have the power to choose your attitude. Choose to be joyful, optimistic, and enthusiastic. Your attitude is contagious. Spread optimism and positive energy.
In all situations, do what’s best for the client, even if it’s to our own short-term detriment. Put their needs ahead of our own. Push to do what’s best, not simply what others do. There’s no greater way to build a reputation than to steadfastly do what’s right for others.
Healthy, vigorous debate creates better solutions. Debate concepts without making personal attacks. Check your ego and push for the best solution, rather than your solution. Once a decision is made, however, get fully aligned and put your complete support behind it.
Treat others in a way that honors their self-worth and respects their value as unique individuals, regardless of their background, appearance, or beliefs. Whether it’s a kind word during a tough stretch, a friendly smile each morning, or a helping hand in stressful times, show your compassion. Be kind and support one another like family.
We’re all responsible for, and benefit from, the FBFK Law reputation. Consider how your actions, including what you post online, affect our collective reputation. Be a proud ambassador of the firm and each other.
Focus on results and take personal responsibility for making things happen. Respond to every situation by looking for how we can do it, rather than explaining why it can’t be done. Don’t make excuses or wait for others to solve the problem. See issues through to their completion.
Recognize people doing things right, rather than only pointing out when they do things wrong. Show gratitude and regularly extend meaningful acknowledgment and appreciation — in all directions throughout our firm.
Find ways to make working with you/us easier and more pleasant. Provide simple and complete instructions. When in doubt, do more rather than pushing the work back to someone else. Simplify everything. Be ridiculously helpful.
What got us here is not the same as what will get us to the next level. Get outside your comfort zone, rather than stubbornly hanging on to old ways of doing things. Be excited by the possibilities and opportunities that change and growth bring. Be flexible.
Know your audience. Write and speak in a way that they can understand. Avoid using internal lingo, acronyms, and industry jargon. Use the simplest possible explanations.
There’s always more to the story than you think. Learn to ask questions and gather the facts before jumping to conclusions and making judgments. Be curious about additional information that might yield a more complete picture.
Look for opportunities to add value to every situation. Whether it’s a connection, an introduction, a creative solution, or a relationship, find ways to create more value for our clients and the firm.
While our passion for excellence is real, remember that the world has bigger problems than the daily challenges that make up our work. Stuff happens. Keep perspective. Control what you can control.
