Why or Why Not?
This is a great question to ask yourself often if you are “da boss man or lady.” It provides a quick self-audit for you regarding things you’d be wise to keep doing or to stop doing sooner than later. So, go ahead, ask yourself… “Would you like a boss like yourself?”
Listed below are a few of the typical compliments and disgruntlement’s shared by law office staff regarding their supervising attorneys (regardless of firm size or practice areas):
Top 5 Disgruntlement’s
- Always working in crisis mode due to chronic poor planning skills and taking it for granted that staff will work overtime on a moment’s notice.
- Multi-tasking when meeting or talking with staff
- Failing to prioritize much less ensuring their and their assistants’ priorities are in sync
- Attempts to make staff feel guilty about being out of the office for legitimate reasons (e.g. vacation, sick day, continuing education)
- Total disregard for common courtesies (e.g. Good Morning, please, thank you, praise when deserved and the voicing of complaints in private)
Top 5 Compliments
- Treats staff respectfully at all times (Attorneys that disrespect the ethical rules with their clients display the same character with their employees –lying to them, keeping them in the dark, etc.)
- Values all of their employees for what they each bring to the work team (e.g. no talking behind backs, respects their personal time, truly appreciates them)
- Open to staff’s input, new ideas and feedback
- Attentive listener and makes time to coordinate work flow and priorities with assistants (and clearly!)
- Shares successes and quick to give credit where due
So … what would you add to these lists? And, more importantly — Would you want a boss like yourself? Please add your voice to the *Why or why not?* question in the comment section below.