A growing concern in all types of professional offices is the bully boss. "Bullying is the issue for this decade that sexual harassment was in the 1980s," says Rachel Schaming, a business and leadership coach and certified conflicts mediator in Tucson, AZ. In a law firm, the issue is especially difficult, because the bully may be a senior lawyer. As a result, staff don't want … [Read more...] about How to handle the “bully lawyer” without losing your temper or your job
Risk management
Cyber security report uncovers why most corporate network breaches occur on Monday morning, and more
CYREN, a cyber security platform, recently announced the release of its latest CYREN Cyber Threat Report that examines trends surrounding malware, phishing, spam and other online threats. Friday malware spike results in busy Mondays for IT security professionals In the report, CYREN research confirms long-held suspicions that criminals are purposely intensifying their … [Read more...] about Cyber security report uncovers why most corporate network breaches occur on Monday morning, and more
“Why are you leaving us?” and other key questions to ask staffers who resign
There's good information to be had from a staffer who's leaving. People who have resigned "don't have a hidden agenda." They tend to be candid and forthcoming, and the manager can get valuable feedback from them, says Marcia W. Wasserman of Comprehensive Management Solutions, Inc., a practice management consulting firm in Northridge, CA. Here are a few rules to follow and a … [Read more...] about “Why are you leaving us?” and other key questions to ask staffers who resign
How to keep the office safe from employment law claims when a staffer gets fired
Terminations are what spark the vast majority of today's employment law claims, says employment defense attorney Shari Lane. That's one area where managers can't afford to make mistakes. Step back before pulling the trigger Safety starts with two obvious precautions, Lane says. First, review the record. Make sure it explains what has led to the decision. If there's not … [Read more...] about How to keep the office safe from employment law claims when a staffer gets fired
Model Policy: Workplace Bullying Policy
Why you need this model policy: Your firm is committed to the goal of ensuring that all of its employees are treated with dignity, civility, and respect in the workplace. Bullying behavior is not compatible with this commitment. How this model policy helps you: This model policy explains what bullying is and helps you communicate to all employees that bullying behavior will … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Workplace Bullying Policy
Good managers must always watch for bad behavior
By Steve M. Cohen bio I'm sure that many office managers sometimes feel like a Kindergarten teacher. Even with the best team, there's always one or two people who rub each other the wrong way or seem to have more than their share of complaints—either complaints about what they do or say, or what others do or say to them. Ultimately, no one can promise you much more than … [Read more...] about Good managers must always watch for bad behavior
Seven guides for a safe and somewhat pleasant firing
Firing is the most dangerous action a manager ever takes. "Yet almost everybody does it poorly," says Joseph Godwin, a management consultant with F&H Solutions Group, a human resources consulting firm in Asheville, NC. Any fired employee is depressed and fearful of the future—and not averse to calling an attorney. Every manager needs to know how to fire without asking … [Read more...] about Seven guides for a safe and somewhat pleasant firing
How to prevent violence . . . and deal with it when it happens
On the topic of violence in the office, "people are in denial," says one security management consultant. "They can't believe it's going to happen." But it does happen, and it comes from a lot of sources – unhappy clients, unhappy employees, employees' unhappy spouses, and even from outsiders wandering in. In one office in North Carolina, for example, a client's husband was … [Read more...] about How to prevent violence . . . and deal with it when it happens
Get your firm ready for any kind of disaster at free National Preparedness Month webinar series
Are the members of your firm prepared to communicate quickly and effectively with each other when a crisis hits? Did you know that nearly 70 percent of all U.S. businesses will lose power at one point in the next 12 months? Do you have a plan in place to keep your operations running? How will you rebuild your business if your employees are unable to report to work after a major … [Read more...] about Get your firm ready for any kind of disaster at free National Preparedness Month webinar series
Conducting background checks: Better safe than sorry
By Steve M. Cohen bio Despite some debate and even legal questions on method, I consistently recommend that my clients conduct background checks on all employees they intend to hire. Some of my clients are required by state or federal statutes to conduct background checks. This is especially widespread when employees will provide services to frail or vulnerable … [Read more...] about Conducting background checks: Better safe than sorry