By Lynne Curry, Ph.D, SPHR bio No one told you when you accepted a law office manager job that your primary role would be that of peacemaker. You thought you'd be overseeing systems and finances; that the major hiccups you'd have to resolve would be ones involving computers and upset clients. Not even close. Instead, you put out people fires daily. The players … [Read more...] about Decoding workplace personality conflicts
Working with lawyers
Are the expressions you use dating you?
Certain expressions immediately make people think of another era. Among these are the cat's pajamas, the apple of my eye, hold your horses, and a feather in your cap. Perhaps your parents or grandparents peppered their conversations with these expressions; if so, these sayings, while outdated, might make you smile. However, it's unlikely you'd tell an employee that an … [Read more...] about Are the expressions you use dating you?
4 easy strategies for remembering names and passwords
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D, SPHR bio Which problem fits you? Your practice has grown and you don't remember the names of all the employees and you realize this hurts some employees' feelings; Several of the sites you regularly access ask you to change passwords monthly and you have a hard time remembering the newer passwords; Several long-time … [Read more...] about 4 easy strategies for remembering names and passwords
Survey: Nearly one-quarter of law firms plan to boost lateral hiring in next two years
The legal field may see a lift in lateral hiring in the months ahead. More than half (58 percent) of lawyers recently interviewed by Robert Half Legal said lateral hiring is an effective strategy for improving firm revenue. Nearly one-quarter (23 percent) of lawyers said their law firm will increase its hiring of partner- or senior-level attorneys in the next two years. The … [Read more...] about Survey: Nearly one-quarter of law firms plan to boost lateral hiring in next two years
How to disagree with your friends about politics and keep them too
In past elections, our front yards, T-shirts, car bumpers and water cooler conversations proudly campaigned for the presidential candidate of our choice. In 2016, most were afraid to utter the name of the person they planned to vote for on November 8. Research by Joseph Grenny and David Maxfield, cofounders of VitalSmarts and the authors of the business bestseller Crucial … [Read more...] about How to disagree with your friends about politics and keep them too
Resolving the “Going Paperless” dilemma in 3 steps
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio The concept of going paperless seems overwhelming for law firms. This is one of those things where you conjure up in your mind all the added work that it is going to take to go paperless, and you decide that it is more time efficient to keep things just the way they are. The next time you are looking for a file as you are rushing out the … [Read more...] about Resolving the “Going Paperless” dilemma in 3 steps
Why you should include staff at your annual firm retreat this year
While most firms hold an annual retreat for the attorneys, one California firm has expanded the retreat concept to include staff and spouses. According to the administrator, including staff and spouses at the firm’s annual retreat builds a bond between attorneys and staff and creates a positive attitude toward the firm’s goals and values, generating enthusiasm and new … [Read more...] about Why you should include staff at your annual firm retreat this year
Survey: 1 in 4 U.S. employees negatively affected by political talk at work this election season
This year's extraordinary presidential campaign is taking a toll on American workers, some of whom report feeling stressed, argumentative and less productive because of political discussions on the job, according to a survey released today by the American Psychological Association. More than 1 in 4 younger employees reported feeling stressed out because of political … [Read more...] about Survey: 1 in 4 U.S. employees negatively affected by political talk at work this election season
Like a Boss: Rise of the Work Martyr
By Michelle Spencer bio I learned a couple of disturbing new terms recently: "work martyr" and "vacation shaming." Like many of you, I have known for some time that many Americans no longer use all of their allotted days off from work, and I have certainly worked with work martyrs in my career. I could deal with that. However, the idea of vacation shaming is … [Read more...] about Like a Boss: Rise of the Work Martyr
What to do when you suspect substance abuse in the firm
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D, SPHR bio He's one of your best litigators, but is he worth the risks he takes that could backfire on the practice—or are there ways to mitigate those risks? Rumors abound fueled by his erratic behavior and the behavior changes that his regular trips to the bathroom create. You suspect substance abuse, but if you tackle these problems, will you … [Read more...] about What to do when you suspect substance abuse in the firm