By Elizabeth M. Miller bio As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. So it's important to consider what judgment calls your clients are making about your firm's efficiency and professionalism based on their first impression. Balancing a client's perception of your firm's success, and therefore its competency, can be a double-edged … [Read more...] about 5 ways to make a great first impression
Managing staff
“I forgot what day it was” no excuse for being late to work
It’s important to address any issues that may be affecting the productivity and efficiency of your medical office. Chronic tardiness can be a significant problem that can impact the entire office, so it’s important to address it in a timely and effective manner. Here are some steps you can take to address an employee who is consistently late for work: Set … [Read more...] about “I forgot what day it was” no excuse for being late to work
How to keep the office in business-as-usual shape after any kind of disaster
How disaster-prepared is the business side of your office? Although large organizations often have good disaster preparedness programs, small to mid-sized offices usually don't. And sadly, because they usually have only one location, they are the ones who suffer most when business is interrupted. Here are some tips that will help you prepare for a disaster and get your … [Read more...] about How to keep the office in business-as-usual shape after any kind of disaster
How to conduct a virtual investigation
By Lynne Curry bio Question: We have a messy situation we need to investigate involving 12 and possibly more employees at remote locations. Nine months ago, we laid off our human resources officer. The accounting manager and I inherited many of her duties. Both of us have investigated minor issues in each of our departments, and our former human resources officer left a … [Read more...] about How to conduct a virtual investigation
Happy Thanksgiving: Here are four good ways to get your work done before the long weekend
Many managers will agree that the most difficult part of their job is finding time to get all the work done. And, while everyone loves a day off or a long weekend, it’s hard to make up for any lost workdays. So here are four good time management recommendations from workflow advisor Jason Womack, leadership speaker and author of “Your Best Just Got Better: Work Smarter, … [Read more...] about Happy Thanksgiving: Here are four good ways to get your work done before the long weekend
Employee morale and your firm’s productivity: 6 easy ways to boost both
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio Employees' attitudes have changed over the years. Good, loyal employees want more than a paycheck and health benefits. Studies have shown that compensation does not even rate in the top 5 of what makes an employee happy with their job. I believe happy employees are productive employees and anyone who believes otherwise is overlooking the … [Read more...] about Employee morale and your firm’s productivity: 6 easy ways to boost both
Manage your law office’s holiday party liability risks
You may be hosting a big holiday party for your employees this December. And, like many law offices do, you may be serving liquor at that party. That's fine. Just make sure you understand what you're getting yourself into. Relax. We're not going to lecture you on the dangers of drinking and driving. No sense preaching to the choir. But what we can do to help you out is … [Read more...] about Manage your law office’s holiday party liability risks
7 steps to setting up year-end bonuses for admin staff
As a law office manager, one of your critical responsibilities is to ensure that your administrative staff feel valued and appreciated for their hard work throughout the year. One effective way to achieve this is by structuring end-of-year bonuses that recognize and reward their dedication. Here are the basics of creating a fair and motivating bonus structure for your admin … [Read more...] about 7 steps to setting up year-end bonuses for admin staff
The Israel/Hamas conflict rocks our workplace
By Lynne Curry Question: I supervise a tight-knit team of professionals that work hard and play hard. To describe them as intense would be an understatement. They all care about current events and their heated discussions add spice to the workday. Even more important, their commitment to improving the world is core to why they’re willing to work for low salaries in our small … [Read more...] about The Israel/Hamas conflict rocks our workplace
Model Tool: Candidate rejection letter, job application
Why you need this model tool: After you've made a hiring decision, you have an obligation to get back to the people who applied for the position but did not get the job. How this model tool helps you: It can be difficult to know what to say to an applicant who was not hired. How to use this model tool: This model tool is a letter that can be customized for your firm and … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Candidate rejection letter, job application