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Motivating Secretaries
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Motivating Secretaries
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I have a 10 person secretarial staff in a 40 person law firm. This group's morale is in the sewer. They feel unappreciated and the lowest group on the totem pole (which they are). They don't feel they
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Forums » Topic Forums » Recruiting & Staffing » Motivating Secretaries
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Motivating Secretaries
posted at 8/23/2000 10:19 AM EDT
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Posts: 2
First: 5/31/2000 Last: 8/23/2000 |
I have a 10 person secretarial staff in a 40 person law firm. This group's morale is in the sewer. They feel unappreciated and the lowest group on the totem pole (which they are). They don't feel they are treated as professionals or valued. I have attempted to make our meetings more than complaining sessions and have tried to get them to think about what they do and how WE can utilize their skills, make their work more efficient and how I can help them. But I received NO RESPONSE in my staff meeting. Perhaps I am trying to move too quickly. Any suggestions on how to create some positive cohesiveness and motivation? |
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Motivating Secretaries
posted at 8/25/2000 7:14 AM EDT
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Posts: 31
First: 8/25/2000 Last: 3/9/2006 |
Anything that you can do to reinbforce feelings of pride, satisfaction, and achievement will strengthen your organization. Is the opinions of your secretaries valued? If so are they part of the decision making process on how the work environment should be managed. Is there a secretarial committee that handles employees complaints (would be good to have a rotation of members each month)?
What type of freedom do they have in creativity and innovation in the completing of their task? Is there socializing between the rank? Is there a consensus on projects? If you want people to be committed to the organization focus on their personal career development Todays employees want to achieve the greatest possible results, pesonally, during their career. They will seek the best opportunities to ehhance their careers. Remember that employees will remain with an employer that offers personal growth opportunities and aids the employee in ACCOMPLISHING THEIR OWN PERSONAL GROWTH OBJECTIVES. Offer a work environment that is not restrictive (or perceived restrictive). Focus on creating an environment built on such things as loyalty, commitment, caring, quality-consciousness and entrepreneurialsim. Good Luck Dr. Clark PS63:7 |
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Motivating Secretaries
posted at 8/30/2000 6:59 AM EDT
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Posts: 10
First: 8/30/2000 Last: 12/22/2000 |
I agree with the previous response, However, the attorneys also play a role in motivating the secretaries that work for them. Are the attorneys treating them with respect? A thank you can go a long way if it's sincere. Sometimes with the busy day-to-day demands of the job we forget to show our appreciation to those that help make it run a little smoother.
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Motivating Secretaries
posted at 9/11/2000 2:58 AM EDT
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Posts: 4
First: 9/11/2000 Last: 9/11/2000 |
Every problem does not have a solution. Sad but true.
There is a strong possibility that the power structure is not going to change, even given all the good thoughts of prior respondents. I would try, but not kill myself doing so. If this is the culture and it is not going to change, which of often the case at law firms, then come at it from a different direction. Reward the person or persons in the group of 10 who just do their job and don't complain, the complainers will start to leave, if they haven't already. Then inform every new hire honestly the culture they are applying to enter. If you are up-front, you will start to bring on board low-maintanance secretaries who just want the job and the cash, and will not expect or need all the positive reinforcement that is lacking. Alternative is to keep trying to push water up hill, but it is tiring and not terribly fun or productive. Mike |
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