Effective communication is the backbone of any successful legal practice.

On this episode of Great Practice, Great Life, we tackle some of the most pressing issues that can impact team dynamics and performance. Steve brings in expert practice advisor Lori Pulvermacher to share her insights on managing difficult conversations, reducing conflict, and maintaining high standards within a law firm. From addressing tardiness and quality control to navigating the sensitive topic of workplace attire, we explore practical strategies to create a positive and collaborative work environment while ensuring top-notch client service.

We also discuss the complexities of setting clear expectations professionally and personally, highlighting the importance of transparency and communication. Lori and Steve delve into the challenges managers face when delegating tasks and empowering their teams, focusing on addressing dress code conflicts, especially with younger employees. Learn how to navigate these tricky conversations without causing discomfort or risking misinterpretation, and understand how the current employment climate influences these interactions.

Finally, we explore effective strategies for addressing performance issues and developing employees for long-term success. Discover how to handle chronically tardy or error-prone team members, leveraging tools like AI to improve work quality, and the importance of empathetic communication and continuous follow-up. Lori shares her expertise in recognizing potential in employees, providing growth trajectories, and the essential skill of mastering conflict resolution.

Tune in to gain valuable tips and resources that can help you balance your life, grow your practice, and maintain high standards of client service.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Insights on managing team dynamics, handling difficult conversations, and maintaining high standards in a law firm
• The importance of transparency in both professional and personal contexts, with a focus on delegating tasks and addressing dress code conflicts
• Strategies for managing chronic tardiness and errors, using AI tools for quality improvement, and providing constructive feedback
• Techniques for understanding underlying causes of tardiness and errors and the importance of continuous follow-up
• Recognizing potential in employees, offering growth trajectories, and investing in professional development
• Tips for leaders to manage difficult conversations, improve self-awareness, and use tools like DISC and Atticus
• How modern workplace dynamics influence communication and conflict resolution strategies

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If there’s a topic you would like us to cover on an upcoming episode, please email us at [email protected].

Supporting Resources:

• Lori Pulvermacher: Practice Advisor: atticusadvantage.com/team/lori-pulvermacher/ 

• Group Coaching Programs: atticusadvantage.com/coaching/ 

• DISC Assessment: atticusadvantage.com/disc-assessment

• Great Practice. Great Life. by Atticus – 050: Why I Love Conflict with Lori Pulvermacher: https://atticusadvantage.com/podcast/why-i-love-conflict-with-lori-pulvermacher/ 

• Book: Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time: www.amazon.com/Fierce-Conversations-Achieving-Success-Conversation/dp/0425193373

• Book: Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High: www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Tools-Talking-Stakes/dp/1260474186

• Great Practice. Great Life. by Atticus – 030: Well, What Did You Expect? With Glenn Finch: atticusadvantage.com/podcast/well-what-did-you-expect-with-glenn-finch/ 

• Great Practice. Great Life. by Atticus – 017: It’s All Your Fault with Megan Hunter – Part 1: atticusadvantage.com/podcast/its-all-your-fault-with-megan-hunter-part-1/ 

• Great Practice. Great Life. by Atticus – 018: It’s All Your Fault with Megan Hunter – Part 2: atticusadvantage.com/podcast/its-all-your-fault-with-megan-hunter-part-2/ 

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.