As a manager, you interact with a lot of people. There are staffers, contract workers, clients, sales reps, and lawyers, as well as service technicians, building and maintenance workers, and others. Given that you are in contact with so many people, you are bound to come across a type of person that, unfortunately, is common to the human species: the rude dude. Recognizing … [Read more...] about How to handle a rude dude
Managing staff
Use this one simple form and quickly build a positive workforce
This idea comes not from a law firm but from a manager in a medical practice. It's a way not only to end negative attitudes among staff but also to keep a positive attitude going indefinitely. It was developed by Sharon Hunter who manages Granbury Internal Medical Associates in Granbury, TX, and it's what she terms an "applause sheet." It's just a half-page form that she … [Read more...] about Use this one simple form and quickly build a positive workforce
How to hire the right employee for your firm
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D, SPHR bio According to a Gallup poll, thirty percent or less than one-third of American workers describe themselves as "engaged" in their jobs and committed to their employers. A larger number, 54% percent, describe themselves as "disengaged" at work and not committed to their employers. These employees report feeling trapped in dull jobs and admit that … [Read more...] about How to hire the right employee for your firm
Want to keep valued employees? Conduct a stay interview
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D, SPHR bio If you've ever been blindsided by a valuable employee's resignation and conducted an exit interview, you may have asked the right questions six months too late. Exit interviews detail why employees leave your organization. In contrast, stay interviews—rarely done—provide a valuable tool for retaining valued employees. What's a stay … [Read more...] about Want to keep valued employees? Conduct a stay interview
Dealing with winter weather
As winter weather arrives with force in many parts of the country, it brings a reminder of the impact snowstorms have on businesses both large and small. Winter storms cause frustration for business owners, management, and HR professionals as they deal with the disruption each new snowflake brings. Inclement weather-related issues include early school closings and the … [Read more...] about Dealing with winter weather
Lighten up the office for increased productivity
By Steve M. Cohen bio Let's face it, work is not always fun. As they say, "that's why they call it work." But there is a point where a manager may need to draw a line. Although the problem can take many forms, the issues can often be grouped under the heading of "negativity." An "office complainer" is one example you may know. There are also constant critics, … [Read more...] about Lighten up the office for increased productivity
A six-question oral survey can help the manager and improve morale
The people closest to the work are the ones who have the best suggestions for improving it. You can take advantage of staff ideas by getting their recommendations in an informal survey. Not only will it generate usable ideas for the manager, but it may help morale because when people are asked for their opinions, they become committed to the organization. There's a sense of, … [Read more...] about A six-question oral survey can help the manager and improve morale
What your staff is doing on the Internet and why you might want to allow it
It's a temptation too great for many people to resist—using the Internet to check their Facebook page, watch those cat videos, or check on the Fantasy League while at work. And according to a survey from FindLaw.com, about half of your staff members are surfing the Internet when they should be working. What are they using it for? According to FindLaw.com's survey, … [Read more...] about What your staff is doing on the Internet and why you might want to allow it
Want to improve morale? Listen up
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen It's a cheap, but effective cure, for many ailments I've found that most organizations can benefit significantly from a simple, low-cost change in their operations: More two-way communications. For busy law office managers, time can be among their most valuable commodities so I don't make this recommendation lightly. But even a few minutes each day to … [Read more...] about Want to improve morale? Listen up
Model Notice: Alcohol consumption at firm’s party
Why you need this notice: Holiday and other office parties often include alcohol, and excessive alcohol consumption poses risks for employees. How this notice helps you: By letting employees know about your concerns for their safety, and providing recommendations for safe behavior, you are acting responsibly. How to use this notice: Modify this notice for your firm. … [Read more...] about Model Notice: Alcohol consumption at firm’s party