By Steve M. Cohen bio It might sound obvious, but being a key employee, especially a top-level manager, requires above all organizational loyalty. Yet in many businesses, some employees are working at cross proposes with their firm. Let's assume that your organization has an objective, probably something articulated in your mission and vision statement. This … [Read more...] about In the office, your cooperation is mandatory, not optional
Topics
“Why are you leaving us?” and other key questions to ask staffers who resign
There's good information to be had from a staffer who's leaving. People who have resigned "don't have a hidden agenda." They tend to be candid and forthcoming, and the manager can get valuable feedback from them, says Marcia W. Wasserman of Comprehensive Management Solutions, Inc., a practice management consulting firm in Northridge, CA. Here are a few rules to follow and a … [Read more...] about “Why are you leaving us?” and other key questions to ask staffers who resign
Creating a peaceful office environment
Law firms are usually hired to handle contentious issues, but that doesn't mean the workplace itself needs to be fraught with conflict. If you're wishing for peace in the firm, there are a few things you can do that can have a significant impact. It goes without saying that office conflict, poor attitudes, and negative staffers undermine peace and tranquility. But any bad … [Read more...] about Creating a peaceful office environment
How technology is going to affect HR in 2016
Imagine software that runs on your phone, delivers on-the-job skills training via video, and integrates with a learning management system that shows a manager how well you have mastered new skills. This is just one example of the innovations emerging to help employees improve their productivity at work, according to Josh Bersin, principal, Bersin by Deloitte, Deloitte … [Read more...] about How technology is going to affect HR in 2016
National Love Your Lawyer Day
If your clients suddenly start hugging the lawyers in your office, don't be alarmed—but do check your calendar. If it's the first Friday in November, then your clients are just enthusiastically embracing National Love Your Lawyer Day and are letting their favorite legal eagle know how much they love and appreciate them. Yes, there is such a thing as National Love Your Lawyer … [Read more...] about National Love Your Lawyer Day
What’s in a name?
Editor's picks: How to be a better proofreader Four records management errors that can get your firm into trouble How long should you keep client and practice records? … [Read more...] about What’s in a name?
Improve your office operations with a few easy changes
By Steve M. Cohen bio I'm sure you've seen one of Hollywood's "political" movies. You know the kind: drama unfolds between a candidate and (fill in the blank), while his or her selfless team of volunteers labor furiously in the background, assuring that the candidate still wins, despite spending all of his or her time dealing with the drama. Hollywood fantasy, … [Read more...] about Improve your office operations with a few easy changes
Technology Update: 8 tools you can use now to work better, faster, and safer
The 2015 Pacific Legal Technology Conference held recently in Vancouver, British Columbia covered a host of big picture topics essential to everyone in today's legal profession. Presenters and exhibitors discussed practice management tools, technology in court, and the strategic reinvention of the law firm. And of course the big concern of the day, security, was the subject of … [Read more...] about Technology Update: 8 tools you can use now to work better, faster, and safer
How to keep the office safe from employment law claims when a staffer gets fired
Terminations are what spark the vast majority of today's employment law claims, says employment defense attorney Shari Lane. That's one area where managers can't afford to make mistakes. Step back before pulling the trigger Safety starts with two obvious precautions, Lane says. First, review the record. Make sure it explains what has led to the decision. If there's not … [Read more...] about How to keep the office safe from employment law claims when a staffer gets fired
Writing the Employee Handbook
Bonus Content Webinar Presentation Slides In this recording, Daphne Gray-Grant will show you: A simple and easy-to-use technique for generating at least 50% more ideas for content The best way to schedule and plan projects so you actually get them done on time How to collect information from difficult-to-manage colleagues or bosses How "the crappy first … [Read more...] about Writing the Employee Handbook