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
Your career
7 ways to communicate power when you write and speak
As a law office manager, your words—both written and spoken—carry weight. They reflect your authority, set the tone for your team, and influence how others perceive you. Communicating power isn’t about being aggressive or domineering; it’s about exuding confidence, clarity, and competence. Here are seven strategies to help you convey power effectively when you write and … [Read more...] about 7 ways to communicate power when you write and speak
Grow your network and grow your career
Networking is a valuable activity for law office managers to build connections, stay informed about industry trends, and create opportunities for growth. Here is some advice on how to make the most of networking opportunities: Attend Legal Conferences and Seminars: Legal conferences and seminars offer an excellent platform to network with peers, legal professionals, … [Read more...] about Grow your network and grow your career
You should learn your way around office politics
By Lynne Curry Question: I like my new job, my supervisor, and my coworkers, except for a woman I’ve nicknamed “the queen.” The problem began as soon as my first all-hands meeting ended. Several of my coworkers invited me to have drinks with them after work. The queen overhead because she and I were heading into a pre-planned meeting that lasted until the end of the … [Read more...] about You should learn your way around office politics
Getting ahead: Tasks to tackle in the last two weeks of August
As a law office manager, you know that September often brings a surge of activity. Whether it’s new cases, court dates, or the ramping up of ongoing projects, the post-summer period can be intense. That’s why the last two weeks of August are the perfect time to focus on tasks that will set your office up for success in the months ahead. Here are some key jobs to consider … [Read more...] about Getting ahead: Tasks to tackle in the last two weeks of August
How to outsmart manipulators in the workplace
By Lynne Curry If you’re locked in a work relationship with a manipulative boss or coworkers who learn you’re an easy mark, they’ll manipulate you until you recognize their games and find ways to outsmart them. Here’s what you need to understand and do to stop manipulators in their tracks. Start by understanding who and what manipulators are. Next, realize how you’re … [Read more...] about How to outsmart manipulators in the workplace
How to prioritize law firm management tasks
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio What's the most important task you have to tackle today? Do you have so many you can't decide which to address first? In law firms, priorities change from day to day and even moment to moment. The truth of the matter is that there are often competing priorities. And unless there is an obvious crisis, it's sometimes not that easy to decide which … [Read more...] about How to prioritize law firm management tasks
Working on everything everywhere all at once? Try monotasking
In today’s fast-paced business environment, office administrators are often faced with a multitude of tasks and responsibilities. As the demands of the job continue to grow, it becomes increasingly tempting to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, commonly known as multitasking. However, there is an emerging school of thought that promotes the merits of monotasking—focusing on … [Read more...] about Working on everything everywhere all at once? Try monotasking
Empathy an important workplace leadership quality
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings, thoughts, and perspectives of others. It involves not only recognizing and acknowledging the emotions of others but also demonstrating care and concern for their well-being. In the context of a workplace leader, empathy is essential for several reasons: Building Trust: Empathetic leaders are … [Read more...] about Empathy an important workplace leadership quality
To-Dos: Your July office checklist
According to best-selling author Regina Brett, "Summer is the annual permission slip to be lazy. To do nothing and have it count for something. To lie in the grass and count the stars. To sit on a branch and study the clouds." You wish! That might happen on the weekend—if you're lucky—but Monday to Friday, there's still plenty of work to do at the office. Here are some … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your July office checklist