In the workplace, "Come in and shut the door" usually precedes a tough conversation and is a phrase known to strike terror in the hearts of employees. But the manager on the other side of the desk is likely feeling just as apprehensive about delivering the news, says a new survey conducted online among 1,120 employed U.S. workers, 616 of whom manage employees in the … [Read more...] about Are you uncomfortable communicating with your staff?
Your career
HR Predictions for 2016: Prepare to harness technology, analytics, and diversity and inclusion
Is your firm having difficulty attracting and retaining great employees? Maybe it's time to employ some inventive HR strategies. According to a new report ("Predictions for 2016: A Bold New World of Talent, Learning, Leadership and HR Technology Ahead") from Bersin by Deloitte, Deloitte Consulting LLP, in 2016, organizations will be challenged to design a more engaging and … [Read more...] about HR Predictions for 2016: Prepare to harness technology, analytics, and diversity and inclusion
A tactical guide to dealing with workplace bullies
Have you ever had a confrontation with an aggressive co-worker where you just got so befuddled that you couldn't find the right words for the moment? Instead, a great comeback occurred to you hours later, probably in the middle of the night, after you replayed the situation over and over in your mind. Don't you wish there was a script you could memorize to help you out in … [Read more...] about A tactical guide to dealing with workplace bullies
5 tips for better decision-making
Quiet your mind: When the mind is quiet and still, it's easier to pick up on subtle intuitive cues and guidance that can help you make better decisions. Meditation is an excellent way to do this. However, you can also quiet the mind by simply focusing on your breath. Ask questions: You can access your intuition by asking questions. The key is to clear your mind first and be in … [Read more...] about 5 tips for better decision-making
A few tricks to make anyone a good presenter
It's not outstanding competence that makes an administrator a good presenter. "Competence alone is not enough to get a yes vote from the partners," says executive speech coach Chris Witt of Witt Communications in San Diego. What's more, the best ideas aren't always what appeal to the partners. What determines success is how well the proposal is communicated. And good … [Read more...] about A few tricks to make anyone a good presenter
2 goals you need to set for 2019 and how to achieve them
The start of the new year is a traditional time for people to set personal and professional goals. And in order to achieve goals, they must come with a roadmap. Here are two inter-related goals you can set for 2019: Goal 1: Win the lawyers' respect; and Goal 2: Earn a better salary. Not only will achieving these goals help you become a better manager for your law firm, they … [Read more...] about 2 goals you need to set for 2019 and how to achieve them
5 ways to turn your staff into a team of professionals
How can an administrator turn staff into professionals? Focus on attitude, says Cynthia R. Grosso, founder of the Charleston School of Protocol and Etiquette in Charleston, SC, and a speaker on corporate etiquette and professional success. People think professionalism is action. It's not, says Grosso. "It's an attitude." And mostly it's an attitude of self-respect. A … [Read more...] about 5 ways to turn your staff into a team of professionals
In the office, your cooperation is mandatory, not optional
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
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
The joy of the crappy first draft
By Daphne Gray-Grant bio Every beginning writer I know abhors the idea of a crappy first draft. It's embarrassing, mortifying and humiliating. They know their boss or client is going to hate it. They're going to hate it themselves because they fear it will make them look inept and unskilled. Thus, they don't want to it exist on their hard-drive, even for a … [Read more...] about The joy of the crappy first draft