Make a fresh start this year with a focused team, a financial plan, organized files, and a decluttered computer. Here are some tasks you can accomplish this month to help keep your office running smoothly and profitably throughout the year. 1. Help staff set and achieve goals. Addressing staff issues in January gets people charged up for the year and gives you a roadmap for … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your January checklist
Your career
Could making friends at work be your next best career move?
Professionals typically spend more waking hours with their coworkers than anyone else, so friendships are bound to blossom. But does having confidants help or hinder efficiency at work? In a recent survey from staffing firm Accountemps, 62 percent of employees said having coworkers that are friends outside of the office positively affects productivity. But only 39 percent of … [Read more...] about Could making friends at work be your next best career move?
What do your online, in-person and on-paper personas say about you?
A potential employer takes just a moment or two to size up a potential candidate, leaving job seekers little wiggle room when trying to make a good first impression. The employer is already looking beyond the interview itself to get a feel for what it would be like to work with this person long-term, say experts at Harris Allied, a New York City-based executive search … [Read more...] about What do your online, in-person and on-paper personas say about you?
Life of the ‘office’ party: Managers’ most embarrassing holiday party gaffes revealed
Falling into a pool, sleeping under a table, fighting with the boss and screaming like a werewolf – scenes from a rough weekend or a corporate event? Unfortunately, for those involved, it's the latter. A recent Robert Half survey of executives found these were just a few of managers' worst moments at holiday parties. Participants were asked about the most embarrassing thing … [Read more...] about Life of the ‘office’ party: Managers’ most embarrassing holiday party gaffes revealed
How to avoid taking on second-hand stress
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio I've been working with the legal profession for nearly 40 years and I can assure you it is one of the most stressful work environments ever. The legal profession as a career choice is stressful because of stringent deadlines, including statutes of limitations, which if you miss one of those you have just sunk your own battleship. Other stressful … [Read more...] about How to avoid taking on second-hand stress
How a mentor program can improve your associate retention rates
It is the money that gets the first-year associates in the door. But it is the work that keeps them there. Many associates are gone by the third year, and most of them go because the work assignments don't live up to their expectations. To retain the associates it has spent so much money recruiting, the firm needs a mentoring program that stays with each attorney on every … [Read more...] about How a mentor program can improve your associate retention rates
Here are four good ways to get your work done and enjoy a 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 long weekend, it's hard to make up for that lost workday. So here are four good time management recommendations from workflow advisor Jason Womack of Ojai, CA, author of Your Best Just Got Better: Work Smarter, Think Bigger, Make More. These … [Read more...] about Here are four good ways to get your work done and enjoy a long weekend
TO-DOs: Your November office checklist
There's a lot happening this month—everything from Thanksgiving to budget preparations. Here are a few things you should address this month. Make your reservations. If you are planning a holiday party and haven't yet booked a venue, don't wait any longer. Certain restaurants get booked up quickly, especially if your firm wants to do a holiday luncheon instead of a dinner. … [Read more...] about TO-DOs: Your November office checklist
Five scary actions that haunt your reputation
By Stacey Hanke bio Have you ever been so frustrated by someone's bad habits that the very thought of communicating with them scares you? Do you go into hiding when you see a rude coworker coming your way? What if YOU are the one everyone with whom everyone fears communicating? What you think others believe is not always the truth. While many professionals … [Read more...] about Five scary actions that haunt your reputation
How to eliminate meeting pain points and stop wasting time
Love 'em or hate 'em, meetings are an essential platform for sharing information, brainstorming new ideas, and collaborating as a team. But are they always necessary? It doesn't seem so, finds new research from Accountemps. Professionals surveyed said they spend more than one-fifth (21 percent) of their work hours in meetings but feel a quarter of that time is wasted. Workers … [Read more...] about How to eliminate meeting pain points and stop wasting time