It's not outstanding competence that makes an administrator a good presenter. "Competence alone is not enough to get a yes vote from the partners," says executive speech coach Chris Witt of Witt Communications in San Diego. What's more, the best ideas aren't always what appeal to the partners. What determines success is how well the proposal is communicated. And good … [Read more...] about A few tricks to make anyone a good presenter
Managing the office
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
Our top 10 feature articles in 2015
Thank you for making 2015 such a successful year! We had great guest bloggers, inspiring readers' tips, and a series of very informative and well-attended webinars. And we're looking forward to an even better time in 2016. In case you missed it, these are the top articles that trended on the site this year. #1: November 6 is National Love Your Lawyer Day If your clients … [Read more...] about Our top 10 feature articles in 2015
Is holiday cheer in your workplace waning?
The National Retail Federation (NRF) has predicted strong consumer spending during the months of November and December. But that doesn't mean you should expect a present from any of your co-workers this year. According to the "WorkSphere" survey from national staffing company Spherion and conducted online last month by Harris Poll among more than 1,000 adults employed full or … [Read more...] about Is holiday cheer in your workplace waning?
2 goals you need to set for 2019 and how to achieve them
The start of the new year is a traditional time for people to set personal and professional goals. And in order to achieve goals, they must come with a roadmap. Here are two inter-related goals you can set for 2019: Goal 1: Win the lawyers' respect; and Goal 2: Earn a better salary. Not only will achieving these goals help you become a better manager for your law firm, they … [Read more...] about 2 goals you need to set for 2019 and how to achieve them
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
The 5 disasters that run law firms into the ground
Can your firm profit in the current economy? Or more worrisome: can it survive? The answer depends on how the firm is managed, advises one expert. And to a great extent it's the intangible elements of management that tell the tale. Law firms are living in a new world, says William F. Brennan, CPA, CMA, a principal with the legal management consulting firm Altman Weil in … [Read more...] about The 5 disasters that run law firms into the ground
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
Holiday season dos and don’ts for the law office
The holiday season is an ideal time of year to show goodwill toward all, including your staff. Here are some dos and don’ts to help make your workplace holiday-friendly. Do Try to be flexible when it comes to time off during the holiday season. Yes, employees should have saved their vacation time. And yes, maybe seniority should prevail when it comes to the days off everyone … [Read more...] about Holiday season dos and don’ts for the law office