Today the president of You Manage Law answers questions on the management topic of human resources.
• Question: I’ve heard that “energy level” and “assertiveness” are significantly related to the ability to bring in new business, and I have a new associate who promises to be a great rainmaker in this respect. Yet, she is proving to be a challenge to her legal assistant, who has worked well in the past. What could I interject that would smooth things out and cut the resulting wasted time?
• Julie Responds: Typically, high energy and assertiveness combined may result in impatience with those whose job requires not so much of either quality. You mentioned that she had majored in communications. Likely, then, she is familiar with the standard references that keep verbal communication simple. Find out which book she prefers. Then, if she struggles getting through, you might remind her of the reference-of-choice, such as:
" Just speak in plain Chicago Manual of Style. "
" Just speak in plain Associated Press Style. "
She will probably catch on quickly.
View 7 Keys to Successful Employee Reviews
Julie Anson Schaefer, President | You Manage Law Newsletter and Lexmodus | 900 IDS Center | 80 S 8th St | Minneapolis MN 55402 612-810-4440 (p) | 952-473-9677 (f) | www.youmanagelaw.com
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