One of the most unpleasant – if not dreaded – facets of management is dealing with conflicts. In a law office, they come in one of three forms: conflicts between staffers, between staffer and manager, and between lawyer and manager. And each gets handled in a different way. 1 Staffer versus staffer Staffer and staffer conflict becomes apparent a number of ways. One side … [Read more...] about How to end 3 costly kinds of office conflict
Managing the office
Busting 7 common information security myths
Commonly held myths about information security can lead to a potential data breach and ultimately have a big impact on a company's bottom line and reputation. However, these breaches can be avoided when businesses provide their employees with the right training and tools to separate fact from fiction and responsibly manage confidential information. A recent study shows that 23 … [Read more...] about Busting 7 common information security myths
8 proven strategies for managing people better
1 Hire the right people 2 Understand personalities 3 Motivate staff 4 Build morale 5 Improve performance 6 Use perks that go a long way 7 Give productive reviews 8 Know how to manage Managing the people with their problems and personalities is the most formidable part of management. So here is a long list of ways to make the job easier. These suggestions come from the many … [Read more...] about 8 proven strategies for managing people better
Like a Boss: Traits and behaviors
By Michelle Spencer bio As I was reviewing articles for the Like a Boss series, a few themes kept appearing as key areas of focus for bosses: Communication, Performance Management, and Relationships. If you are looking for ideas for leadership training, any of these would be a good place to start. First and foremost, people want open, honest, and … [Read more...] about Like a Boss: Traits and behaviors
Why you should notify applicants they didn’t get the job
Open positions, especially those advertised, often generate many applications. If your practice is located in a major metropolitan area or large town, you may receive a huge pile of applications, electronic or otherwise, in response to a job posting. Fortunately, not all job applicants will have the appropriate qualifications—otherwise, interviewing would … [Read more...] about Why you should notify applicants they didn’t get the job
The 5 key skills that a managing partner needs to achieve success
It's easy to name a managing partner. It's difficult to name a right managing partner. A firm can succeed or fall apart depending on who's at its head, says Stephen Mabey, a chartered accountant and managing director of Applied Strategies, a law firm management consulting company in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The job can't automatically go to the highest producer or the most popular … [Read more...] about The 5 key skills that a managing partner needs to achieve success
Monthly events show appreciation for both employees and employer
At Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Ryles in West Palm Beach, Fla., both the employees and the employer get their share of appreciation during monthly events designed to boost morale. Lori Ann DeMayo, the office administrator, explains how it works: As a small firm we are always looking for economical ways to show our appreciation and to boost the morale of the staff. Each … [Read more...] about Monthly events show appreciation for both employees and employer
How to handle 4 really irritating employee behavior problems
Not all staffing issues are related to discipline or employment law. In many cases, it's the seemingly less serious issues that can fluster even the most experienced manager. Here are four such issues with suggestions on how to handle them. 1 Flirting, but not by invitation Workplace flirting is an issue that can create administrative headaches and make others in the office … [Read more...] about How to handle 4 really irritating employee behavior problems
Is your website violating ABA’s ethical guidelines?
A good website is valuable 24-hour marketing. But underneath it lies another web—one of ethical concerns, the main ones being misleading information, unwanted client relationships, and confidentiality breaches. For that reason, the American Bar Association set out guidelines for attorney websites, Formal Opinion 10-457 developed by the ABA's Standing Committee on Ethics and … [Read more...] about Is your website violating ABA’s ethical guidelines?
Discrimination at work: Prevalent yet subtle workplace bias erodes productivity and engagement
A recent study by VitalSmarts, a Top 20 Leadership Training Company, has found that more than a quarter (27 percent) of those who experience discrimination at work report the bias to be common, impactful, and beyond their ability to manage. The result of this triple threat of factors leads to frustration, stress, depression, and helplessness on the job. To measure the impact … [Read more...] about Discrimination at work: Prevalent yet subtle workplace bias erodes productivity and engagement