I get it — you’re busy. But, you should never be too busy to let your good employees know they are appreciated. Here are 3 things you can do to let the people who work for you feel valued.
1. Tell them you appreciate them. Point out a specific task that you noticed they did well. Maybe it was a suggestion they gave you or maybe they worked late to get your discovery out on time. Sometimes they wonder whether you see or notice how hard they’re working and it’s important to let them know that you do.
2. On a regular basis — not just holidays or a day designated for assistants — treat them to coffee or donuts or maybe even give them a gift card to take their family to a movie. It doesn’t have to be an expensive gesture to be appreciated.
3. Defend them if an angry client or even an attorney from your own firm treats them disrespectfully. Sometimes you need to say, “You will not treat my assistant that way.” Too often it’s the employees who are doing poorly that get all our attention. Don’t forget your good employees. Kind gestures on a regular basis are important.
Karen is a graduate of Wartburg College in Waverly, IA, and Drake University Law School in Des Moines, IA. She began her legal career as a prosecutor before entering private practice. For over 20 years, her practice has focused on family law and general practice. Karen is trained in Collaborative Law and also acts as a parenting coordinator for high conflict parents. Since 2009, Karen has served as a judicial magistrate in Iowa. She is also the Chief Compliance Officer and pre-law advisor at Wartburg College. Karen is the author of “The New Lawyer’s Handbook: 101 Things They Don’t Teach You in Law School” and also two knitting books for children. Her commentaries and guest opinions have appeared in the Huffington Post and the Des Moines Register. She and her husband Pete have 4 children.
Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager: Dec 6, 2023 8:00:00 AM
This post is directed toward those of you who fail to accurately record your time on a consistent basis throughout the day, day after day. I know it...
Rio Peterson, Bar and Affinity Partnership Strategist: Dec 4, 2023 6:00:00 AM
We are thrilled to announce that as of December 1st, 2023, The New Hampshire Bar Association (NHBA) has named ALPS Insurance as an endorsed provider...
Sharon D. Nelson Esq., Sensei Enterprises: Nov 22, 2023 12:31:39 PM
Remember Shadow IT? Well say 'hello' to its pal, Shadow AI There were plenty of articles written about Shadow IT — defined by Cisco as “the use of...
3 min read
Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager : Jul 31, 2023 10:24:34 AM
Over the years I have found a real disparity among attorneys as to their willingness to write non-engagement letters. You know the one. It’s that...
3 min read
Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager : Dec 14, 2016 12:00:00 AM
I will share that I can appreciate a well-crafted cocktail; but I can also assure you that when I am in a situation where such beverages are being...
5 min read
Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager : May 21, 2019 12:00:00 AM
Few law firms seem to fully appreciate the level of risk that attorneys and staff truly represent. Of course, the ultimate goal is to avoid having...
