Come to Jesus meetings are a common reaction when law firm leaders and employees feel they’ve reached their breaking point. “It’s only April, and she’s already missed 16 days this year!”—a statement like this often leads to an emotionally charged meeting aimed at fixing behavior. However, while Come to Jesus meetings may seem effective, they rarely create lasting change.
The emotional pull of a come to Jesus meeting is strong. I’ve paced outside my boss’s office, waiting for the right moment, or caught him in the hallway after a quick trip from the bathroom. But after experiencing several frustrating encounters, I realized something crucial—I’m not Jesus, I don’t perform miracles, and come to Jesus meetings simply don’t work.
What Is a Come to Jesus Meeting?
The idea behind a come to Jesus meeting is to “lay down the law,” express grievances, and make it clear that certain behaviors won’t be tolerated anymore. This type of meeting relies on fear and shock value. And the shocking part? It actually seems to work—for a little while. Employees fall in line, bosses adjust their behaviors, and all appears well.
But within 60 days, everything returns to square one.
Why Come to Jesus Meetings Fail
Let’s return to the boss who was frustrated with his employee’s poor attendance. He planned to call a come to Jesus meeting to issue a warning: change or be fired. But after digging deeper, he admitted that she wasn’t faking sick—she was overwhelmed. A young, bright employee, she had been quickly promoted from receptionist to Client Services Coordinator while juggling full-time college and a small online business. She was burning out, and it was making her sick.
Would a come to Jesus meeting fix that?
For about two weeks, yes. Fear kept her going. She was a good employee with integrity—she wanted to do better. But fear-based motivation is short-lived. After 60 days, the same patterns would resurface.
And that’s why come to Jesus meetings don’t work. They don’t resolve the root issue. The employee was willing to work hard but lacked the skills to manage her workload. She didn’t know how to prioritize, delegate, or set boundaries.
The Root Problem: Lack of Training & Development
This situation isn’t unique. Many law firm leaders resort to Come to Jesus meetings because they assume the problem is a lack of effort when, in reality, it’s a lack of skill. Employees struggle not because they don’t care, but because they don’t know how to manage their workload effectively.
Instead of fear-based interventions, law firm leaders should focus on professional development. Employees need training in time management, prioritization, and delegation. They need practical skills to thrive—not threats that temporarily alter behavior.
The Alternative to Come to Jesus Meetings
So, what should law firm leaders do instead?
Rather than relying on intimidation, they should invest in structured leadership and team development. Here’s how:
- Identify Skill Gaps – Determine what skills employees lack and provide targeted training.
- Implement Training Programs – Ongoing professional development is essential for long-term success.
- Encourage Open Communication – Create a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing challenges.
- Set Clear Expectations & Support Systems – Help employees understand their roles and provide the tools they need to succeed.
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Author: Molly Hall McGrath
