You’re brushing your teeth. Your phone buzzes. It’s your boss. You’re making dinner. Ping. Still your boss.You’re in bed, face mask on, finally relaxed. Ding. Guess who? If your boss seems to believe that email has no off-switch, you’re not alone. In today’s hyper-connected world, the line between “at work” and “off-duty” can blur fast—especially when the … [Read more...] about 7 Ways to Manage the Midnight Pings
Your career
10 steps to build your confidence as a new office manager
Starting a new role as an office manager can be an exciting yet challenging experience. It’s not uncommon to feel a bit overwhelmed in the beginning, but by taking proactive steps, you can build your confidence and excel in your new position. Here are some valuable tips to help you grow in your role as an office manager: 1. Understand Your … [Read more...] about 10 steps to build your confidence as a new office manager
8 proven ways to totally destroy your credibility as a manager
A manager can have great knowledge and great skills, but without credibility with both attorneys and staff, don't expect success. What is credibility? It can be defined as "what we do and how we do it that causes others to respect and believe us." The "what-we-do" is the tangible things—the work and its results. The "how-we-do-it" is the behavior that demonstrates a person's … [Read more...] about 8 proven ways to totally destroy your credibility as a manager
Do I Fire A Staffer Who Doesn’t Deserve It?
By Lynne Curry Question: When our newly hired general manager pulled me into his office this morning, he asked me to fire a staff member, an individual I know well and who’s always impressed me as a hard worker. I run our company’s HR department. I asked, “Could you give me the details, so I can create a solid case for our file?” The GM, a fifty-something white man … [Read more...] about Do I Fire A Staffer Who Doesn’t Deserve It?
Reconnecting with Purpose: How to Invite Someone from the Past into Your Career Network
Reaching out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while can feel a little awkward—but when done with authenticity and a clear sense of purpose, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s a former colleague, mentor, or someone you crossed paths with years ago at a conference, reviving an old connection can open new doors and enrich your professional network. As an office … [Read more...] about Reconnecting with Purpose: How to Invite Someone from the Past into Your Career Network
How I Outsmart My To-Do List (with a Little Help from Tech)
By Camille Stell In the fast-paced world of small law firms, wearing multiple hats is the norm. Whether you're a paralegal juggling deadlines and client correspondence or an office manager coordinating calendars and compliance, staying organized and efficient is key. As someone who consults with law firms every day, I’ve discovered two tech tools that have transformed my … [Read more...] about How I Outsmart My To-Do List (with a Little Help from Tech)
Is AI Pushing You Into a Career Change?
By Lynne Curry Tish spent fifteen years as a legal assistant. She’d honed her skills and mastered the ins and outs of case files and court scheduling. She knew the quirks of each of her senior partners. A year ago new software rolled in—AI tools that scanned thousands of pages of case law in seconds, summarized legal documents with eerie precision, and auto-generated … [Read more...] about Is AI Pushing You Into a Career Change?
Time to Talk Time Off: Getting Summer Vacations on the Calendar
April is the perfect time to get ahead of the summer scramble by nailing down everyone’s vacation plans. As an office manager, you know that warm weather brings sunshine, sandals—and a flurry of PTO requests that can leave you short-staffed if you’re not careful. The earlier you start organizing summer schedules, the smoother the season will be for everyone. Here’s how to … [Read more...] about Time to Talk Time Off: Getting Summer Vacations on the Calendar
The Benefit of a Wind-Down Ritual
By Camille Stell Transitioning from work to home was never something I had to think about. In the before (pandemic) times, I stepped away from work by getting in my car for an hour commute. I thought about my day, but I also began to naturally transition away from my work mindset. I listened to music or a podcast, I ran errands, or thought about meal planning, and by the … [Read more...] about The Benefit of a Wind-Down Ritual
The Power of Good Habits for Office Managers
Your role demands a unique blend of organization, leadership, and adaptability. The ability to develop and maintain good habits can be a game-changer in managing your workload, reducing stress, and boosting your effectiveness. Drawing insights from popular books like Atomic Habits by James Clear, this article explores the power of habits and practical steps for building … [Read more...] about The Power of Good Habits for Office Managers