By Lynne Curry Employees care deeply about abortion, gun control, immigration, the uptick in crime, climate change, and other issues that affect their freedom, wallets, and quality of life. As a result, even seemingly innocuous comments concerning news events can escalate into bitter, emotionally charged workplace arguments that alienate coworkers and customers, damage … [Read more...] about Workplace political discussions: Strategies for handling what’s coming
Managing staff
How to handle a scamming, scheming staffer
By Lynne Curry Question: I run a small firm. When I advertised for a new hire, I didn’t find anyone who had the right skill set. “Will” applied. Although he lacked the skills I sought, he interviewed well and said he was willing to learn everything necessary to become my No. 1 employee. I took a chance on him and invested months in training him. He shadowed me, developed … [Read more...] about How to handle a scamming, scheming staffer
‘I’m a threat to my boss because I’m smarter’
By Lynne Curry Over the years of your career, you may have found yourself on both sides of the following situation, first as a bright young staff member and later as a manager dealing with a brash new employee. Question: I am a threat to my supervisor. It’s not my fault, but it may cost me my job. Things were going well between my supervisor and I until last month. In an … [Read more...] about ‘I’m a threat to my boss because I’m smarter’
The power of emotional intelligence: A guide for law office managers
In today’s dynamic healthcare environment, the role of a law office manager is more challenging than ever. Not only do you need to efficiently manage the administrative tasks, but you also play a crucial role in maintaining a positive work environment and fostering effective communication among your team members. This is where emotional intelligence (EI) comes into play. In … [Read more...] about The power of emotional intelligence: A guide for law office managers
Don’t delay if you have to deliver bad news
By Lynne Curry “It’s not the difficult conversations that bite you the hardest,” I told the manager. “It’s the ones you put off until too late.” I listened to the manager’s reasons and told him, “Here are the risks you take. You dread telling ‘Robert’ what and how he needs to improve because he lashes out at you and remains sullen for days after you’ve counseled him. You … [Read more...] about Don’t delay if you have to deliver bad news
7 ways to support mental health in your office
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a good time to devote some thought to how you can support mental health in your office. Here are some ideas for advancing mental health in the workplace: Encourage open communication: Encourage your employees to speak openly about their mental health and provide a safe space for them to do so. Encourage managers to be approachable … [Read more...] about 7 ways to support mental health in your office
Snappy comebacks WHEN you need them
By Lynne Curry The snappy comeback you wish you’d had when “Jim” sniped at you in the meeting, and you sat frozen and speechless. The silencing comment you wish you’d given “Brenda” when you walked past the break room and you heard her dissing you. Why don’t those comebacks arrive when you need them? Here’s why… When you experience a verbal attack or another threat, your … [Read more...] about Snappy comebacks WHEN you need them
Is it time to take the office team out to lunch?
You might be considering a team lunch for your office staff to celebrate a milestone or to announce upcoming changes. Hosting a business lunch in a restaurant can be a fantastic way to create a professional and enjoyable setting for discussing business matters. Here are some steps to consider when planning a team lunch in a restaurant: Choose the right restaurant: Select a … [Read more...] about Is it time to take the office team out to lunch?
Learn to recognize and avoid burnout
Law office management can be a stressful occupation as it involves financial and compliance responsibilities and balancing the needs of partners, associates, staff and clients in a fast-paced environment. Here are some tips for law office administrators on why they might suffer burnout, how to recognize it, and what they can do to prevent and deal with it. Understand the … [Read more...] about Learn to recognize and avoid burnout
Get to work on time if you expect others to be punctual
As an office manager, your job requires you to be punctual and reliable. You are the person your team looks up to for guidance and direction, and being on time sets the right example. If you find yourself constantly running late for work, it can impact not only your productivity but also that of your entire team. So, here are a few tips to help you get to work on time. Plan … [Read more...] about Get to work on time if you expect others to be punctual