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
Managing staff
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
Why you should notify applicants they didn’t get the job
Open positions, especially those advertised, often generate many applications. If your practice is located in a major metropolitan area or large town, you may receive a huge pile of applications, electronic or otherwise, in response to a job posting. Fortunately, not all job applicants will have the appropriate qualifications—otherwise, interviewing would … [Read more...] about Why you should notify applicants they didn’t get the job
Monthly events show appreciation for both employees and employer
At Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Ryles in West Palm Beach, Fla., both the employees and the employer get their share of appreciation during monthly events designed to boost morale. Lori Ann DeMayo, the office administrator, explains how it works: As a small firm we are always looking for economical ways to show our appreciation and to boost the morale of the staff. Each … [Read more...] about Monthly events show appreciation for both employees and employer
How to handle 4 really irritating employee behavior problems
Not all staffing issues are related to discipline or employment law. In many cases, it's the seemingly less serious issues that can fluster even the most experienced manager. Here are four such issues with suggestions on how to handle them. 1 Flirting, but not by invitation Workplace flirting is an issue that can create administrative headaches and make others in the office … [Read more...] about How to handle 4 really irritating employee behavior problems
Warm weather work attire
After a long, cold winter, who doesn’t look forward to a long, hot summer? For office managers, however, summer brings a new set of challenges, including what staff members wear to the office. Ah yes, warm weather work attire. Ultra-sheer blouses, midriff tops, plunging necklines, short skirts, shorts, and flip-flops. Whatever are they thinking? If you don’t have a summer … [Read more...] about Warm weather work attire