By Lynne Curry Question: I’m an easygoing, accommodating supervisor. Not only does it take a lot to upset me, but I hate conflict. As a result, some employees take advantage. This can create messy situations as the employees with strong work ethic have to pick up the slack. Soon after I hired “Sam,” he scheduled a private meeting with me and let me know Bekah was … [Read more...] about What’s it going to take for me to rise to this challenge?
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How to save yourself and your career from gaslighting
By Lynne Curry When you discover your colleague led a pivotal meeting you didn’t attend—one to which he invited several key managers but not you—you confront him. He looks affronted, and says, “But didn’t you get the invitation? I sent it to you a week ago. Maybe you deleted it by accident?” His certainty shakes you, and you search your inbox, your deleted files, and … [Read more...] about How to save yourself and your career from gaslighting
Your interview notes could get you in trouble
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen bio Although workforce disasters usually make the headlines, there are a number of “basic” human resource tasks that should not be discounted. One is the job candidate interview. Theoretically, interviews should not be a problem. They’re a common occurrence, with no possible traps, right? After all, the candidate just wants the job and you are … [Read more...] about Your interview notes could get you in trouble
Touchy situation: Our CEO has memory issues
By Lynne Curry Question: Our company’s owner and his wife have semi-retired and leave for their vacation home every October. They hired a general manager in September after a long search for the right candidate. Our owner was so excited to find this candidate, given his industry experience and track record, that he paid the man and his family’s expenses to move to our … [Read more...] about Touchy situation: Our CEO has memory issues
Happy Thanksgiving: Here are four good ways to get your work done before the long weekend
Many managers will agree that the most difficult part of their job is finding time to get all the work done. And, while everyone loves a day off or a long weekend, it’s hard to make up for any lost workdays. So here are four good time management recommendations from workflow advisor Jason Womack, leadership speaker and author of “Your Best Just Got Better: Work Smarter, … [Read more...] about Happy Thanksgiving: Here are four good ways to get your work done before the long weekend
7 steps to setting up year-end bonuses for admin staff
As a law office manager, one of your critical responsibilities is to ensure that your administrative staff feel valued and appreciated for their hard work throughout the year. One effective way to achieve this is by structuring end-of-year bonuses that recognize and reward their dedication. Here are the basics of creating a fair and motivating bonus structure for your admin … [Read more...] about 7 steps to setting up year-end bonuses for admin staff
The Israel/Hamas conflict rocks our workplace
By Lynne Curry Question: I supervise a tight-knit team of professionals that work hard and play hard. To describe them as intense would be an understatement. They all care about current events and their heated discussions add spice to the workday. Even more important, their commitment to improving the world is core to why they’re willing to work for low salaries in our small … [Read more...] about The Israel/Hamas conflict rocks our workplace
When a full-time employee works a second full-time job
By Lynne Curry Question: I supervise a talented but difficult employee, whose performance has always been spotty but recently went downhill. Lately, “Scott” has dragged himself into the office every morning. He looks exhausted. His eyelids half-close during staff meetings. Because I felt concerned, I asked him if he was okay. He said he was just working too hard. He … [Read more...] about When a full-time employee works a second full-time job
You don’t need to bring staff back to the office to build a culture
By Lynne Curry Question: I’m a partner in a professional services firm. We barely survived the pandemic and only because we furloughed all nonessential employees. Those of us who were partners worked unpaid part of the time. We kept ourselves going by promising ourselves that “things would get back to normal.” Our company recovered slowly. We rehired many of the employees we … [Read more...] about You don’t need to bring staff back to the office to build a culture
Make a good impression with your email closing
How you end a business email can leave a lasting impression on the recipient. The right closing can make your email feel more professional and polished, while a poor closing can detract from the message you’re trying to convey. In this article, we’ll explore some tips and best practices for concluding your business emails in a way that leaves a positive impression on your … [Read more...] about Make a good impression with your email closing