Those who work in the legal industry generally communicate professionally, clearly, and correctly. But no one's perfect. How many of these errors have made their way into your written communications? 1. Lie v. lay. These get misused so much that when someone finally does get them right, it's noticeable. Lie = lie down to sleep. Lay = lay something down. People lie down and lie … [Read more...] about Don’t kill your professional prose with these 10 errors
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What’s we’ve got here is failure to communicate
Editor's picks: Good communication speeds up the billing What's the most common breach of etiquette in your office? Are you ruining your employees' family dinners? … [Read more...] about What’s we’ve got here is failure to communicate
Complaint lines offer managers more than gripes
By Steve M. Cohen bio A client told me recently that that they eliminated their 800 number complaint line. When I asked why, they said, "All we got were complaints!" I disagreed. Whether they are from employees or clients, complaints are invaluable because the feedback provides an opportunity for examination. The protocol might be slightly different for a law … [Read more...] about Complaint lines offer managers more than gripes
What are your chances of finding a new job?
If you're not on social media, you could be missing out on a new employment opportunity. Indeed, avoiding a professional online presence may be hurting your chances of finding a new job. More than one-third of employers (35 percent) say they are less likely to interview job candidates if they are unable to find information about that person online, according to an annual … [Read more...] about What are your chances of finding a new job?
Compliance and protection top employers’ list of concerns in background screening trends survey
Employers say the single most important employment screening-related challenge they face in 2015 is compliance with ever-changing laws, and the primary reason they conduct background checks is to protect their clients and customers. These are just two of dozens of findings in a recently released report, "Employment Screening 2015: Background Screening Trends & Practices," … [Read more...] about Compliance and protection top employers’ list of concerns in background screening trends survey
To increase productivity, reduce dependencies on your star performers and create a one-company culture
A new study by CEB, a best practice insight and technology company, has identified the next big driver of corporate productivity: creating a "one-company" culture that requires employees to become "enterprise contributors." The employee performance paradox study included of a workforce survey of over 10,000 managers and employees from various industries and regions, a survey … [Read more...] about To increase productivity, reduce dependencies on your star performers and create a one-company culture
The upside of clutter?
Editor's picks: Ending 6 irritating staff behaviors Buried by paper? Time to crawl out and go digital Eight rules for running your office right, especially if it's a small one … [Read more...] about The upside of clutter?
When a transgender employee comes out at work, how will you respond?
By Steve M. Cohen bio I have worked closely with two organizations: The Transgender Institute (TTI) and the Gender Policy Associates (GPA). TTI is an organization that provides therapy, consultation and coaching to transgender people. This is a population that is much misunderstood. In schools they are subject to extensive bullying; at work, they are often … [Read more...] about When a transgender employee comes out at work, how will you respond?
Asking for a raise
One of the most frequently asked career questions is, "What is the best way to ask for a raise?" Not surprising, a frequently asked management question is, "What are best practices when it comes to employees asking for a raise?" Answers to these two questions actually have a lot of overlap. Think about the times staff members approached you for a raise. When did they make a … [Read more...] about Asking for a raise
Model Policy: Jewelry and tattoos
Why you need this policy: This model jewelry and tattoos policy establishes guidelines for staff wearing jewelry or displaying tattoos. How this policy helps you: This policy recognizes the value of personal self-expression and establishes parameters for when personal appearance enhanced by jewelry or tattoos exceeds appropriate and reasonable workplace limits. How to use … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Jewelry and tattoos