Whether you are a new administrator or an old one, don't expect to keep the job for long without the respect of staff. Respect is not something that comes with a job title or a business card. It has to be earned. And for the most part, that means treating the employees as well as or better than the clients are treated. With me, not for me Leadership starts with respect, and … [Read more...] about Why your career depends upon building respect from your staff
Managing staff
When co-workers can’t get along
Julie A. Aarup, office administrator at the Michigan firm Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP, had a problem that many office managers face: contrary co-workers. But rather than trying to mediate, Aarup treated the dueling duo to lunch—with a condition. Problem solved. Twice during my nearly 21 years at Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn, I had a problem with two coworkers … [Read more...] about When co-workers can’t get along
90-day goals for success and job satisfaction
A manager's success turns on "what other people are able to accomplish." And to a great extent, accomplishments depend "on how happy they are with their jobs. The happier they are, the more they produce." To encourage success and job satisfaction throughout the office, Matthew J. Bower, administrator at Luhrsen Law Group in Sarasota, set up a 90-day goal plan that covers both … [Read more...] about 90-day goals for success and job satisfaction
Four tricks to improve the hiring process
Beyond the résumé, reference check, and the interview, use these four techniques to improve your hiring process. 1 Identify past mistakes One essential element to consider is the office's history. Before interviewing anybody, look at what has gone wrong in the job when other people have held it and identify what filters need to be set up for the next hiring decision. Look … [Read more...] about Four tricks to improve the hiring process
A telling way to interview job candidates
Everyone walks into a job interview with their best foot forward and a slew of prepared answers. It's your job to sift through what's often a rehearsed performance and find out what the firm will actually get if the person is hired. Here management consultant Manola Robison, CMC, of Robison Management Consulting in Atlanta suggests a novel—and very telling—way to do just … [Read more...] about A telling way to interview job candidates
Employment Law Update for HR Managers
By Mike O’Brien bio This is my periodic update prepared for interested HR professionals trying to deal with the complex American employment laws. Federal Appeals Court says sexual orientation bias is illegal: A federal appeals court (covering Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana) has ruled, for the first time, that existing law prohibiting discrimination based on sex … [Read more...] about Employment Law Update for HR Managers
How to end 3 costly kinds of office conflict
One of the most unpleasant – if not dreaded – facets of management is dealing with conflicts. In a law office, they come in one of three forms: conflicts between staffers, between staffer and manager, and between lawyer and manager. And each gets handled in a different way. 1 Staffer versus staffer Staffer and staffer conflict becomes apparent a number of ways. One side … [Read more...] about How to end 3 costly kinds of office conflict
Busting 7 common information security myths
Commonly held myths about information security can lead to a potential data breach and ultimately have a big impact on a company's bottom line and reputation. However, these breaches can be avoided when businesses provide their employees with the right training and tools to separate fact from fiction and responsibly manage confidential information. A recent study shows that 23 … [Read more...] about Busting 7 common information security myths
8 proven strategies for managing people better
1 Hire the right people 2 Understand personalities 3 Motivate staff 4 Build morale 5 Improve performance 6 Use perks that go a long way 7 Give productive reviews 8 Know how to manage Managing the people with their problems and personalities is the most formidable part of management. So here is a long list of ways to make the job easier. These suggestions come from the many … [Read more...] about 8 proven strategies for managing people better
Like a Boss: Traits and behaviors
By Michelle Spencer bio As I was reviewing articles for the Like a Boss series, a few themes kept appearing as key areas of focus for bosses: Communication, Performance Management, and Relationships. If you are looking for ideas for leadership training, any of these would be a good place to start. First and foremost, people want open, honest, and … [Read more...] about Like a Boss: Traits and behaviors