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
Managing staff
To-Dos: Your July office checklist
According to best-selling author Regina Brett, "Summer is the annual permission slip to be lazy. To do nothing and have it count for something. To lie in the grass and count the stars. To sit on a branch and study the clouds." You wish! That might happen on the weekend—if you're lucky—but Monday to Friday, there's still plenty of work to do at the office. Here are some … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your July office checklist
Great ideas for engaging remote staff
Engaging remote staffers can be a unique challenge, but as a law office manager, you have the opportunity to foster a cohesive and motivated team, even from afar. Creating a culture of engagement starts with maintaining open and effective communication. Regular check-ins through video calls, phone calls, or messaging platforms can help maintain personal connections. For … [Read more...] about Great ideas for engaging remote staff
The death of a job and the 5 stages of grief
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen Unfortunately, as a manager you sometimes have to terminate someone. It's also unfortunate that sometimes this doesn't go well. That results in significant stress and related problems on both sides. Fortunately, an awareness of the emotional impact of termination can help you work with the soon-to-be terminated employee to make parting, and any … [Read more...] about The death of a job and the 5 stages of grief
To-Dos: Your June office checklist
As we near the end of the second quarter, it's a good time to see if the firm, staff, and you are all on track with respect to the goals you set in January or if any course corrections are needed. Here are a few areas you can address. 1. Check the budget. Review the budget to see if and where alterations are needed. Are the goals still appropriate? Are employees making good … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your June office checklist
Flex-retirement: A win-win strategy for employee retention
Employee retention is not only a cost-effective strategy, but it also helps maintain institutional knowledge and ensures a smoother transition when team members retire. One innovative approach that can facilitate this transition and keep experienced staff on board is "flex-retirement." What Is Flex-Retirement? Flex-retirement, also known as flexible retirement, is a workplace … [Read more...] about Flex-retirement: A win-win strategy for employee retention
8 ways to mentor your staff to thrive in their careers
Mentoring plays a pivotal role in the professional development of administrative staff within a law office. As a law office administrator, you have the unique opportunity to guide, support, and develop your team members, ensuring they have the skills and confidence necessary to thrive in their roles. Effective mentorship not only enhances individual performance but also … [Read more...] about 8 ways to mentor your staff to thrive in their careers
You can run, but you can’t hide from Gen Z
By Lynne Curry “I simply don’t hire them.” According to research, that’s the attitude of 94 percent of business leaders who avoid hiring Gen Z employees, those born between 1997 and 2012. Why? According to 1,243 recently surveyed business leaders, Gen Zers bring with them have a sense of entitlement, a deficient work ethic and sub-par communication skills. Half of these … [Read more...] about You can run, but you can’t hide from Gen Z
10 ways to reduce time-wasting meetings
Meetings are an essential part of the collaborative work environment in a law office. However, excessive and unproductive meetings can lead to wasted time and hinder the efficiency of your legal team. As a law office administrator, it is crucial to optimize staff time and resources. In this article, we will explore practical strategies to help law office administrators reduce … [Read more...] about 10 ways to reduce time-wasting meetings
6 ways to dodge the dreaded performance review
Performance reviews: You don’t like to do them, employees dread them and they may not be all that effective in improving work behavior. Here are five alternatives to an annual performance review. Regular feedback sessions: Instead of a once-a-year review, schedule regular feedback sessions throughout the year to discuss performance and provide feedback. These sessions … [Read more...] about 6 ways to dodge the dreaded performance review