Here are a dozen words that get mispronounced and misused so much that the wrong form can sound as good as the right one. Aesthetic. There's a th in the middle, so it's pronounced as-THE-tic. It's not as-TE-tic. Height. It doesn't have a th at the end. A box may have length, width, breadth, and depth, but it doesn't have heighth. It just has height. Asterisk. Keep the … [Read more...] about A dozen bugaboo words to cogitate
Managing the office
Biases and the use of flexible work arrangements in law firms
While the availability of flexible work arrangements has increased in law firms, new research released by The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance suggests that not all lawyers and staff are using the policies. The third annual Law Firm Flexibility Benchmarking Survey, recently released, examines the availability and usage of flexible work policies in large U.S. law firms. … [Read more...] about Biases and the use of flexible work arrangements in law firms
Why you need to draw the line on unethical behavior
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen Some of the most difficult office decisions come down to ethics, and some of the most difficult ethical decisions often seem mundane at first glance. Regardless, I recommend caution because the potential pitfalls are so serious. I have a client who hired someone away from a competitor. The first week on the job, this new hire produced "intelligence" … [Read more...] about Why you need to draw the line on unethical behavior
Why your latest management decision failed
When making significant decisions, have you noticed how difficult it is to come to a rational decision, even with a mastery of facts and employing logical thinking? Have you noticed that at every step of the process, there are players who push back, so that even the most obvious decisions become tortured? What's going on here? Did you ignore the social space? According to … [Read more...] about Why your latest management decision failed
The heat is on: Six in 10 employees report increased work stress
Are your employees having trouble "keeping calm and carrying on" at work? If so, they're in the majority. More than half (52 percent) of workers said they are stressed at work on a day-to-day basis, and 60 percent reported work-related pressure has increased in the last five years, according to a new survey by staffing firm Accountemps. Their concerns are not lost on … [Read more...] about The heat is on: Six in 10 employees report increased work stress
Accountability and your legal staff: The effects on your law practice
By Elizabeth M. Miller, MBA bio I am a great proponent of accountability for everyone in a law firm including myself and the attorneys. It is the method by which a law firm can measure that clients are receiving the best possible service from your firm. An accountable law firm starts with leaders who first hold themselves accountable. After all, we do have to lead by … [Read more...] about Accountability and your legal staff: The effects on your law practice
Reward good employees by removing bad ones
By Steve M. Cohen bio I'm sure you've seen advice regarding employee bonuses and incentive systems, including some that are quite complex. The idea is that to achieve a high-performance workplace, you need to motivate employees and achieve maximum efficiency. None of this is wrong, but I often suggest another strategy that surprises a lot of people: get rid of the … [Read more...] about Reward good employees by removing bad ones
Has entry–level law firm recruiting peaked?
The National Association for Law Placement (NALP) has released its annual Perspectives on 2016 Law Student Recruiting report, showing that entry-level law firm recruiting remained robust, although flat compared to last year. The lack of additional growth after consistent increases over the last several years suggests that recruiting volumes may have peaked after a marked … [Read more...] about Has entry–level law firm recruiting peaked?
16 quick ideas to make you a better manager
1. Reduce the interruptions. During busy times, move the chair around so the back is to the door. People hesitate to interrupt when they can't make immediate eye contact with the administrator. Stand up when people come on and stay standing. As long as the administrator is standing, the visitor won't start up a long conversation. Put a few books in the visitor's chair so … [Read more...] about 16 quick ideas to make you a better manager
Watch out for resume fraud
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D, SPHR bio The new business manager you hired—the one with the terrific resume and reference? It turns out she never worked for the employers named on the resume or knew the supervisors listed as references—despite the glowing recommendations they wrote for her. Instead, she paid for a legitimate-appearing, completely phony resume and … [Read more...] about Watch out for resume fraud