Chris 'the carrot' Carroll is managing partner of top City firm Travers Smith, where he favours a light touch over an iron fist.
Were you always destined for management or was it thrust upon you?
The latter.
How would you define your management philosophy (in 20 words or less)?
A light hand on the tiller.
How does management compare to fee earning?
Fee earning is a never-ending series of transactions. Management is never ending.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? And the most rewarding?
People; and people.
What is the most pointless piece of management jargon you have ever heard?
I don’t read management books (although I probably should).
How do you get to know junior lawyers/trainees in a firm with so many fee earners?
I attend various social functions, although my memory for names is not what it used to be.
How do you sell your firm to potential recruits?
A unique combination of collegiality, profitability, quality of work and size.
What has been your most embarrassing/cringe-worthy management moment?
Sending an email (which I would rather they didn’t get to see) to the wrong group of people.
Who is your management guru or idol?
I had better say my senior partner...
Which is more effective in your experience - carrot or stick?
Carrot.
What is the biggest challenge facing your firm over the next 12 months?
Business development.
What achievement are you most proud of as a law firm leader?
The fact that we are still here, thriving and enjoying ourselves.
Have you read Sun Tzu’s The Art Of War?
No, but I probably ought to.
How will you know when it is time to call it a day?
When Big Ben strikes midnight on 31 December, 2009.
Complete this sentence: The historical figure I most relate to is…
Lorenzo di Medici.