By Lynne Curry The snappy comeback you wish you’d had when “Jim” sniped at you in the meeting, and you sat frozen and speechless. The silencing comment you wish you’d given “Brenda” when you walked past the break room and you heard her dissing you. Why don’t those comebacks arrive when you need them? Here’s why… When you experience a verbal attack or another threat, your … [Read more...] about Snappy comebacks WHEN you need them
Managing staff
The nomadic remote employee: Employee dream, employer nightmare
By Lynne Curry Question: Several of our employees regularly travel out of state. Before the pandemic, they took vacations for several days or weeks. They and we understood they were on vacation. The situation was clear cut. Our current team includes three employees who want to travel and stay for weeks or even months, in places like Hawaii and Thailand or with relatives. … [Read more...] about The nomadic remote employee: Employee dream, employer nightmare
Is it time to take the office team out to lunch?
You might be considering a team lunch for your office staff to celebrate a milestone or to announce upcoming changes. Hosting a business lunch in a restaurant can be a fantastic way to create a professional and enjoyable setting for discussing business matters. Here are some steps to consider when planning a team lunch in a restaurant: Choose the right restaurant: Select a … [Read more...] about Is it time to take the office team out to lunch?
Learn to recognize and avoid burnout
Law office management can be a stressful occupation as it involves financial and compliance responsibilities and balancing the needs of partners, associates, staff and clients in a fast-paced environment. Here are some tips for law office administrators on why they might suffer burnout, how to recognize it, and what they can do to prevent and deal with it. Understand the … [Read more...] about Learn to recognize and avoid burnout
Whatever you call it, negative workplace behavior is expensive
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen Whether you call it harassment, bullying or something else, negative workplace behavior can be expensive for any business. Unhappy employees today are also more likely to seek legal recourse against their employers, a fact that even legal office managers should keep in mind. Although the legal field is highly professional, it’s also staffed with human … [Read more...] about Whatever you call it, negative workplace behavior is expensive
Get to work on time if you expect others to be punctual
As an office manager, your job requires you to be punctual and reliable. You are the person your team looks up to for guidance and direction, and being on time sets the right example. If you find yourself constantly running late for work, it can impact not only your productivity but also that of your entire team. So, here are a few tips to help you get to work on time. Plan … [Read more...] about Get to work on time if you expect others to be punctual
Model Policy: Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy and Complaint Procedure
This model policy establishes guidelines and procedures to help you ensure that all employees can work in an environment free from unlawful harassment, discrimination and retaliation. … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy and Complaint Procedure
Model Policy: Recognition and social functions
From time to time your law firm may wish to recognize staff members’ milestones, achievements, and/or special occasions. This policy will ensure that guidelines are established and that all staff members receive appropriate and equal recognition. … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Recognition and social functions
Managers, are you creating a community or an organization?
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen There is a managerial question that is often overlooked: Is your office a community or an organization? A community is, by definition, inclusive. An organization is, by definition, exclusive. Let’s use the military as an example of an exclusive organization. When people enlist, there are ranks to climb with each level being more selective and more … [Read more...] about Managers, are you creating a community or an organization?
Everybody needs a break from work
As a law office manager, you understand the importance of keeping your staff productive and efficient. However, it's also important to recognize the role that breaks play in achieving these goals. For both you and your staff, it's tempting to continue powering through day after day without taking scheduled breaks and lunch periods. In this article, we'll discuss the importance … [Read more...] about Everybody needs a break from work