What makes a staff a satisfied staff? One human resources expert cites three core items: management’s communication with staff, management’s commitment to supporting staff, and staff’s trust in management. To find out the level of each as well as where and how to make improvements, use a climate survey, or an opinion survey on the climate of the office. … [Read more...] about How to test the climate of the firm and staff’s satisfaction with it
For long-term survival, watch for the downfalls that cause partner splits
A partner split is like a marital split – expensive and hard to get over. Also like a marital split, it can often be avoided by knowing the elements that cause it and taking steps not to go down those roads, says Robert Denney, a Wayne, PA, management and planning consultant for professional offices. Why do partners split? For a number of reasons, he says. But money is … [Read more...] about For long-term survival, watch for the downfalls that cause partner splits
Orientation also keeps or loses that good hire
Orientation determines the success and retention of a new hire. It’s a necessary element, says employment law attorney and business advisor Katie Pratt of Berg Hill Greenleaf & Ruscitti in Denver. “It sets a foundation” of what the firm expects of the new employee and what the new employee can expect of the firm. It’s also legal protection, … [Read more...] about Orientation also keeps or loses that good hire
Manage client anger to avoid malpractice claims and bad publicity
Angry clients can be hard on the nerves. They can also be potential malpractice claims and probably bad PR for the law firm. But if you know how to respond to an unhappy client in a respectful and helpful manner, you may be able to turn that person into your firm’s biggest fan. Dealing with the angry client is an art. Dealing with the angry client is also a necessity. An … [Read more...] about Manage client anger to avoid malpractice claims and bad publicity
The ethics of refusing business and parting company with a client
Attorney-client relationships can get mighty tenuous. And either side can be at fault. Here are three issues that cause great concern: Turning down a prospect, firing a client, and getting fired by a client. They are explained by Michael Downey, a partner with Armstrong Teasdale in St. Louis whose practice focuses on professional legal, risk management, and ethics issues. … [Read more...] about The ethics of refusing business and parting company with a client
Pouter, wannabe boss, and ain’t-none-of-me and how to change them
Unacceptable behavior is never going to respond positively to negative statements such as “you have a bad attitude” or “you’re lazy.” Turn the conversation instead to what the behavior is, how it is affecting the other staff and the office, and how the manager and other staff see the staffer because of it. Then show alternative behaviors. But … [Read more...] about Pouter, wannabe boss, and ain’t-none-of-me and how to change them
How can I rein in a runaway staff?
Question: The previous manager let staff get away with everything. I’m the new manager. How do I change the staff behavior? Answer: Take the bull by the horns. Hold a staff meeting and spell out the new expectations. Call them rules or call them pet peeves, but make it clear that everybody is expected to follow them. Cover all the items the previous manager let slide so staff … [Read more...] about How can I rein in a runaway staff?
How to get new staffers off to a strong start
Don’t lose the investment of a new hire to a lackadaisical orientation. Set the stage for success. Lay out what the firm expects in the job. The more clearly that’s communicated, the better the relationship and the more likely that person is to be successful. A good orientation assimilates the newcomer into the firm. What’s more, it makes people feel welcome so they stick … [Read more...] about How to get new staffers off to a strong start
Take these 4 steps to make sure you hire the right temporary attorney
In an uncertain economy, temporary attorneys are a good business option. They give the firm an additional attorney without having to worry if there will be enough business to support that person in the future. They come in with the experience necessary for the job. If they don’t perform up to par, the agency will replace them. And if they do perform well, the firm ends up with … [Read more...] about Take these 4 steps to make sure you hire the right temporary attorney
Three ways to end three staff problems every manager hates
When you manage people, at some point you’re going to face an uncomfortable situation, such as co-worker with unacceptable body odor, a gossiper who’s poisoning the workplace, or a staff member who simply won’t acknowledge your authority. Here are some suggestions on how to deal with these people problems. The people problems need to be managed “before they occur and as they … [Read more...] about Three ways to end three staff problems every manager hates