By Brady Wilson bio Many times, I've seen business leaders send their employees off to time management courses in the hopes that the training will help increase engagement and productivity. Many times, I've seen those same leaders show bewilderment when the training doesn't seem to have any impact—or worse yet, results in employees being less engaged and less … [Read more...] about What we’re overlooking when it comes to time management
Your career
Growing your law firm with a carefully crafted blog
By Brenda A. Barnes bio First, there were firm newsletters. Law firms sent them out as a way to build community among existing and prospective clients. They were a branding tool that also fostered loyalty. Then, the internet accelerated that formula, allowing law firms to not only save money on print and mailing, but also push this content marketing vehicle out … [Read more...] about Growing your law firm with a carefully crafted blog
A dozen bugaboo words to cogitate
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
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
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
The skill your employees think you’re lacking and how you can do better
Strong communication skills are necessary at every career stage, but especially for those in leadership positions. In a new study from Robert Half Management Resources, however, nearly one in three workers (30 percent) did not give their boss high marks in this area, reporting communication and diplomacy are where their managers most need improvement. Greater technical … [Read more...] about The skill your employees think you’re lacking and how you can do better
What do clients really want?
By Brenda A. Barnes bio When you ask clients what they want from law firms, you quickly receive a long list. Expertise Support Practical advice Good relationship Track record Client focus Trust Business outcomes Honesty Quality brand … [Read more...] about What do clients really want?
How do you practice business integrity?
By Brenda A. Barnes People often define integrity as doing the right thing even when no one else is around. It is the ability to act with honesty and be consistent in whatever it is you are doing based on the particular moral value or belief compass you have. Browse through the mission statements of most businesses and you will notice that almost every company includes a … [Read more...] about How do you practice business integrity?