A Vermont manager has found that running the financial reports weekly instead of monthly is an easy way for the partners to stay always aware and in control of what's going on. They see every penny that has come in and gone out. They know how each attorney and each practice area is faring. And they know when to expect extra expenses and what the taxes are likely to be. The … [Read more...] about Use weekly financial reporting to keep partners aware of cash flow
Managing the office
Orientation program sends new hires in the right direction
Staff orientation ensures a good start on the job. No matter what the work, the employer/employee relationship is made or broken in the first 90 days, says the director of administration at a 37-attorney office in California. It's during those first three months that people conclude either "I've made a good decision" or "What have I gotten myself into?" So to point new … [Read more...] about Orientation program sends new hires in the right direction
3 steps a manager must take to end harmful gossip in the workplace
By Lynne Curry bio The conversation stops when you walk into the break room. Two employees look at each other, mouth "later," and head back to their desks. An hour later, you see another employee dart into the restroom and come out five minutes later with reddened eyes. You ask her "what's up?" and when she looks like she might burst into tears, you usher her into your … [Read more...] about 3 steps a manager must take to end harmful gossip in the workplace
On Better Communication
Do you freeze up when asked to write something for work? Don't worry. Whether you're writing a letter to a client or a blog for the company website, there are a few simple steps you can take to produce clear and coherent copy. A lot of people freeze when they have to write something. They get afraid they won't know what to say or how to say it. But they do know that. They … [Read more...] about On Better Communication
Ensure success in your new job as administrator
As soon as you've accepted the position of law firm administrator, you need to establish expectations – what is expected of you and what you expect of others. Once those parameters are clear, you can implement any necessary changes with authority and confidence. Walking into a new job as administrator? It's hard for a newcomer administrator to know where to begin work, what … [Read more...] about Ensure success in your new job as administrator
To-Dos: Your April office checklist
Here are a few tasks that should be addressed this month. Do a first quarter evaluation with employees who have a billing quota. Assess where they are in terms of reaching the annual goal and discuss any changes that need to be made, adjustments in procedures for capturing time or time management skills. Review the firm's profit and loss statement as it compares to the … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your April office checklist
Redesign the office to keep up with industry and technology changes
Take a look around your workplace. Does it reflect the traditional image of a law firm—a somber place of serious business with an abundant supply of mahogany furniture and thick, intimidating books? Is there a field of empty workstations once filled by staff members now long gone? Is it cluttered? Is it sterile? Is it pleasing to the eye? Is it time for a change? The … [Read more...] about Redesign the office to keep up with industry and technology changes
For personal success, get beyond the words and metacommunicate
Meta means beyond. And though it has varying definitions, in its simplest form, metacommunication means going beyond regular communication to get the full point across. It means making sure everything—spoken or unspoken—gets communicated to, and from, both sides. Most employment situations are rife with unspoken expectations and assumptions, says Barbara Kay, LPC, RCC, a … [Read more...] about For personal success, get beyond the words and metacommunicate
Quarterly “four column” reviews to improve staff performance and reduce manager stress
"I'm getting an ulcer dealing with these people!" That's the lament of many a manager and it comes from a traditional office practice. It is the result of the standard once-a-year evaluation that winds up as a litany of each staffer's faults and proves worthless for improving performance. Beyond its ineffectiveness, the annual appraisal is not fair because the staffer has not … [Read more...] about Quarterly “four column” reviews to improve staff performance and reduce manager stress
4 ways you are apologizing wrong
By Stacey Hanke bio Apologies are something we love to receive and hate to give. And especially as a leader, they are tough. They require a great deal of humility, which challenge your pride and ego. They are an open admission of failure and wrongdoing, but when delivered with sincerity, they hold power with your team. Unfortunately, too many leaders give superficial … [Read more...] about 4 ways you are apologizing wrong