Many people agree in theory that it's wise to avoid talking politics with your colleagues. And yet during this contentious election season, it seems almost impossible to escape from distracting, annoying, and sometimes upsetting political commentary—even at work. So what do you do when the topic comes up? Beverly Jones, executive coach and author of the book, "Think Like an … [Read more...] about How to avoid talking politics with your boss and coworkers
Your career
How to make your top trial litigator stop being a bully at the office
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D, SPHR bio The problem lands in your lap. One of your best trial litigators is an office bully. As office manager, you're expected to handle this. But how? The lawyer is truly effective, brings in a large share of revenue, and is a partner – well above your pay scale. Is there a way to get him to bully outside the office, with opposing … [Read more...] about How to make your top trial litigator stop being a bully at the office
Protect your firm from costly EEOC claims with these three layers of protection
To avoid the risks of employment law claims, an office needs three layers of protection, advises employment law attorney Peter T. Mavrick of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. They are: A handbook, A procedure for progressive discipline, and Candid reviews. With those three elements in place, the office is safe from just about any type of EEOC claims. Here's what each … [Read more...] about Protect your firm from costly EEOC claims with these three layers of protection
Like a Boss: Girl power in management
By Michelle Spencer bio As I reviewed information and then conceived of this series, the statistics on female managers stood out to me. Knowing that increased diversity is important to most law firms and with more women choosing to attend law school, I thought these statistics were important to include as part of the Like a Boss series. Female bosses are slightly … [Read more...] about Like a Boss: Girl power in management
Do you have ‘fatal’ thinking flaws?
In a 10-year study, involving hundreds of interactive creative problem-solving sessions, business strategist and innovation coach Matthew E. May gave over 100,000 professionals a thought challenge far less complex than their routine business problems. Results? Not only did less than 5 percent arrive at the best and most elegant solution, but the solutions given were … [Read more...] about Do you have ‘fatal’ thinking flaws?
10 essential tips for new managers
New managers face a number of challenges, but which challenge is the most daunting? According to a recent survey, the most difficult part of becoming a manager is balancing individual responsibilities with time spent overseeing staff. Supervising friends or former peers ranked as the second greatest concern. The survey was developed by Robert Half Management Resources and … [Read more...] about 10 essential tips for new managers
Managing the Gen X/Y employee
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D, SPHR bio If you heard a male employee say "Yo, dude!" to a female employee you'd think the comment (check your choice): Inappropriate; Insulting; Affectionate. Please complete the following sentences: Patience is a ______. Good things come to _____ ___ ____. If you checked "inappropriate" or "insulting" or … [Read more...] about Managing the Gen X/Y employee
Professionals want work-life balance. Here’s how to help them (and you) achieve it
Will 2016 be the year of work-life balance? According to new research from staffing firm Robert Half, 54 percent of professionals have increased their commitment to their personal life over the last year. Thirty-eight percent of those polled said they are more committed to their career, and 34 percent cited additional dedication to their job. Older professionals are just not … [Read more...] about Professionals want work-life balance. Here’s how to help them (and you) achieve it
Are you uncomfortable communicating with your staff?
In the workplace, "Come in and shut the door" usually precedes a tough conversation and is a phrase known to strike terror in the hearts of employees. But the manager on the other side of the desk is likely feeling just as apprehensive about delivering the news, says a new survey conducted online among 1,120 employed U.S. workers, 616 of whom manage employees in the … [Read more...] about Are you uncomfortable communicating with your staff?
HR Predictions for 2016: Prepare to harness technology, analytics, and diversity and inclusion
Is your firm having difficulty attracting and retaining great employees? Maybe it's time to employ some inventive HR strategies. According to a new report ("Predictions for 2016: A Bold New World of Talent, Learning, Leadership and HR Technology Ahead") from Bersin by Deloitte, Deloitte Consulting LLP, in 2016, organizations will be challenged to design a more engaging and … [Read more...] about HR Predictions for 2016: Prepare to harness technology, analytics, and diversity and inclusion