By Lynne Curry When “Heather” met with her boss to request a week of personal leave, she didn’t intend to spill her deepest secrets. But Heather needed someone to understand—the sleepless nights, the gut-wrenching choice, the unbearable fear of raising a child with birth defects. Her boss listened without judgment. Still, in the days that followed, Heather couldn’t … [Read more...] about Oversharing: Can You Please Curb Your TMI?
Managing staff
Seize Control of Your Workday
Your to-do list is long, your inbox is overflowing, and everyone seems to need something from you—right now. As a law office administrator, your day can feel like a nonstop whirlwind of requests, interruptions, and unexpected fires to put out. But instead of letting the day control you, it’s time to take control of your day. With a few key strategies, you can stay organized, … [Read more...] about Seize Control of Your Workday
Law Office Staff Meeting Agenda and Minutes Template
Here’s a staff meeting agenda and minutes template tailored for a law office administrator. This template is structured to facilitate focused, productive meetings and to keep all team members informed of updates, priorities, and action items. Meeting Details Date: ___________________________ Time: ___________________________ Location: … [Read more...] about Law Office Staff Meeting Agenda and Minutes Template
10 Ways to Build an Environment of Continuous Learning for Your Admin Staff
As a law office manager, you know that an efficient and skilled administrative team is the backbone of your practice. But the legal world doesn’t stand still—laws change, technology evolves, and client expectations grow. To keep your team sharp and your office running smoothly, it’s essential to foster an environment of continuous learning. Here’s how to create a culture where … [Read more...] about 10 Ways to Build an Environment of Continuous Learning for Your Admin Staff
Surviving the Earthquake of a Law Firm Takeover, Merger, or Acquisition
When a takeover, merger, or acquisition shakes up your law firm, it can feel like the ground beneath your feet has shifted. As a law office administrator, you’re often at the epicenter of the change, balancing leadership expectations, staff concerns, and operational disruptions. While the tremors may feel overwhelming, with the right approach, you can emerge stronger and more … [Read more...] about Surviving the Earthquake of a Law Firm Takeover, Merger, or Acquisition
Creating a Neurodiverse-Friendly Workplace
In today’s diverse and inclusive work environment, it’s imperative for office managers to create an atmosphere where all employees, including neurodivergent individuals, can thrive. Neurodiversity encompasses a range of neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. By adopting strategies to support neurodivergent employees, you’re not only enhancing … [Read more...] about Creating a Neurodiverse-Friendly Workplace
How to Handle Breakroom Conflicts
You’ve got a days-old tuna and pesto wrap stinking up the fridge, unwashed cups in the sink, and muffin crumbs on the table. You could fit-test a respirator with the smell of banana peels wafting from the overfull trash can. The 15 minutes you were going to spend reading the latest thriller disappeared when you had to scrub and refill the scorched coffee pot. Experiences … [Read more...] about How to Handle Breakroom Conflicts
Empathy an Important Workplace Leadership Quality
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings, thoughts, and perspectives of others. It involves not only recognizing and acknowledging the emotions of others but also demonstrating care and concern for their well-being. In the context of a workplace leader, empathy is essential for several reasons: Building Trust: Empathetic leaders are … [Read more...] about Empathy an Important Workplace Leadership Quality
Cheat Sheet: Quick Conflict Resolution
Workplace conflicts happen—it’s just part of working with people. As an office manager, you’re often the go-to person for keeping things from boiling over and helping everyone get back on the same page. Whether it’s a disagreement between coworkers, frustration over office policies, or just a simple miscommunication, knowing how to step in the right way can make a big … [Read more...] about Cheat Sheet: Quick Conflict Resolution
How Great Managers Delegate
When it comes to delegating work to staff, managers rarely hit a happy medium. Instead, they tend to fall at the ends of the spectrum: those who do not delegate enough and those who delegate too much. But by far, it is the under-delegators who are greatest in number. And it is under-delegation that most causes employees to lose interest in their jobs. Lack of delegation … [Read more...] about How Great Managers Delegate