Being a successful administrator calls for an investment. It is the investment of time and patience to train staff to take on delegated tasks and do the work satisfactorily. The payoff is big. Besides ending the frustration of having to do much of the busy work, it allows the administrator to excel in managing the firm. It is the key to professional productivity and … [Read more...] about 5 proven ways to delegate work and set the staffer up for success on the task
General
How to ask the partners for an evaluation
A formal performance evaluation is an opportunity for you to showcase your hard work and accomplishments, as well as a chance to identify any discrepancies in expectations. Ask the partners these four questions to establish the evaluation criteria and then start a diary to record your achievements. To assure continuing success at the job, the new administrator should make … [Read more...] about How to ask the partners for an evaluation
8 signs your firm needs an operations analysis
An operational analysis is an in-depth analysis of the firms's operations, or, put simply, getting somebody from outside to take a look at the inside. Most firms do that when they are facing problems, particularly financial problems, but it is better to do it before problems occur. Here is what the job entails, starting with the signs that it's time to get the review … [Read more...] about 8 signs your firm needs an operations analysis
How are your billing and collecting processes?
6 best practices that fit the bill Training some select clients to pay their bills on time might seem about as possible as herding cats. But if you start the training early, you might actually achieve the impossible. Here are a few tips shared by Ronald L. Seigneur, CPA/ABV/CFF, ASA, CVA, CGMA, of Seigneur Gustafson LLP. 1. Be selective According to Seigneur, your … [Read more...] about How are your billing and collecting processes?
How to calm down the angry client and hold on to the business
The client is angry. The client is upset about the bill. The client says the firm did work that wasn't approved. The client may be ready to walk. There's a way to salvage that relationship, says law management consultant William Cobb of Cobb Consulting in Houston. It calls for tact, saying the right things, and giving the issue full and close personal attention. Take a … [Read more...] about How to calm down the angry client and hold on to the business
How to set a plan for associate development that actually works
One area no firm can afford to ignore is associate business development. The firm's future depends on how well the younger attorneys are developed and cultivated. This is the next generation of the firm. They have to learn how to generate business or the firm isn't going to survive. Here are four elements for an effective business development program for associates: 1 … [Read more...] about How to set a plan for associate development that actually works
How to delegate better
Boost staff performance by communicating more clearly Not pleased with what staff are doing? It may not be their fault. Look at the directions they are getting—from the manager. Whenever a staffer who is capable of doing a job doesn't get that job right, chances are it's because the manager didn't explain what needed to be done. A manager should assign projects via a written … [Read more...] about How to delegate better
How to pay the partners
Is your compensation system driving away the talent you need to grow? What approach did your firm take when establishing its partner compensation plan? It's likely you chose one of the three traditional systems. There's the old "eat what you kill" method, which is based on individual performance; the seniority/lockstep system, which is determined by the partner's role in the … [Read more...] about How to pay the partners
Step by step guide to successful lateral hiring
Attracting a lateral hire requires more than sending out a request for resumes. To find the candidate it wants, the firm has to decide on the specific qualifications it is looking for. But more, it has to set a time limit for resume submissions, keep the candidates updated throughout the process, and make an offer the top candidate can't refuse. Here's exactly what we … [Read more...] about Step by step guide to successful lateral hiring
How in the world can anybody stop gossip?
Question: How can a manager effectively put the squelch on office gossip? Answer: Gossip is an issue for almost all managers, and for some it's a plague. It's childish, it's negative, it's damaging to productivity, and it won't stop until the manager does something about it. Over the years, LOM has addressed the problem many times, and what all management experts say is that … [Read more...] about How in the world can anybody stop gossip?