LawyersUSA

Far too many people feel they have lost control of their lives. Surviving yet another day of chaos becomes the accepted norm in their exhausting lifestyles. They feel they have no time to brainstorm how to change things, much less to make needed changes.

I've compiled some lists of characteristics shared by genuinely contented attorneys and staff with whom I've had the pleasure of working. They maintain (or have reclaimed!) control over their work and lives. They are usually far productive at the office in eight hours than their spinning-out-of-control co-workers are in sixteen.

If you are trapped in a life of excessive, persistent chaos, you may find some helpful ideas within these lists. Or maybe you'll be reminded of areas within your life that could benefit from a bit of attention and "remodeling."

Technology tips

• Embrace it – don't fear it.

• Learn one new skill each month.

• Practice thoughtful e-mail etiquette and know the hazards and limits of e-mail.

• Safeguard confidentiality in cyberspace.

• Save paper when computers can do the job!

• Backup daily; test restorability often.

• If you are not using case management software, wise up and get it … now!

• Maximize the returns on your voice mail greetings and messages. Ask callers to define their "emergencies" in detail, state when you can be reached or when you will return calls, thank them for calling, be clear about what you need, etc.

• Make your website/blogs of value to visitors instead of just serving as your electronic business card.

• Take at least a one-day vacation each week from technology – no news, no e-mail, no voice mails, etc! After your initial withdrawal symptoms dissipate, you will love the freedom.

Being a better supervisor

• Offer frequent constructive feedback.

• Show appreciation for jobs well done publicly and criticize privately.

• Go the distance in implementing changes needed.

• If you must talk about other employees behind their backs … make it positive!

• Provide adequate training.

• Teach conflict resolution skills.

• Offer effective communication workshops.

• Encourage all employees to live balanced lives. Never try to make an employee feel guilty for taking deserved time off!

• Keep employees informed of office events. Beat the gossip grapevine!

• Do not allow anyone to be an office bully.

Being a better employee

• Beware working just for a paycheck. Love what you do.

• Avoid gossip and cliques.

• Dress for the job, not for the cocktail hour.

• Voice your office concerns in writing, including at least two possible solutions.

• Keep improving your skills and growing professionally.

• Stay positive.

• Help others without being asked.

• Don't be an office bully – or allow anyone to bully you!

• Enthusiastically assume new job responsibilities.

• Share your career goals with your supervisor(s).

Top 10 characteristics of successful firms (big or small)

• Leadership agrees on the firm's objectives and all employees are fully informed.

• A simple but detailed action plan exists to help guide, monitor and keep the firm on course.

• Budgets are made, understood and followed.

• Employees are valued and they know it (no office bullying is tolerated – ever!)

• Leadership recognizes that successful firm promotion includes more than traditional, external marketing efforts. Employees understand their ongoing roles in marketing the firm via excellent client communications and work product.

• The firm seeks clients' feedback regarding the quality and timeliness of services provided.

• Leaders set a good example of respecting one another, and exercise strong leadership skills and the wisdom to resolve disputes promptly.

• Employees are given timely and adequate training and provided with all necessary "tools" to get the job done.

• Systems/procedural/personnel/work product reviews are conducted frequently.

• Any changes needed are faced squarely and implemented in a decisive and timely manner.

Here's one more tip. This book is must reading for all attorneys: "Think Again! Innovative Approaches to the Business of Law," by Jeffrey L. Nischwitz.

Former practicing lawyer Nancy Byerly Jones is a regular contributor to Lawyers USA. She enjoys her work as an office management solutions consultant/coach for attorneys and staff and as a family law and business disputes mediator. For more information, please visit her website at www.nbjconsulting.com. To suggest topic ideas for this column, please e-mail Nancy at: nbj@nbjconsulting.com or call her at 828/264-1448.