Hire and Empower with Molly McGrath Molly McGrath

In this episode, Molly tackles the common yet critical issue of managing time-off requests within law firms. She addresses the frustrations of micromanaging and the challenges faced by both law firm owners and employees when handling time off, especially in an environment filled with personal commitments and unavoidable emergencies. She also emphasizes the importance of evolving or revisiting existing time-off policies to ensure clarity, consistency, and fairness. 
 
Key Takeaways:
 
Create Policies: Establish or revisit time-off policies to ensure they are clear, consistent, and supportive for all team members.
Advance Notice: Require at least a two-week notice for non-emergency time-off requests to allow adequate planning and coverage.
Emergency Plans: Develop a clear protocol for handling emergencies, including work-from-home options and backup plans.
Collaborative Management: Use weekly and daily meetings to continuously review and plan for upcoming time off, ensuring all team members are aware and prepared.
Communication: Foster open communication to mitigate last-minute scrambles and emotional stress, encouraging a proactive and cooperative team environment.
Quote for the Show: "Number one, of course it's a request. The policy is that we're making a request on this and its advanced notice is required." - Molly McGrath
 
Links
Website: https://hiringandempowering.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hiringandempowering
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hiring&empoweringsolutions/
Law Firm Admin Bootcamp: https://www.lawfirmadminbootcamp.com/
Get Fix My Boss Book: https://amzn.to/3PCeEhk
 
Ways to Tune In:
Amazon Music - https://www.amazon.com/Hiring-and-Empowering-Solutions/dp/B08JJSLJ7N
Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hiring-and-empowering-solutions/id1460184599
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3oIfsDDnEDDkcumTCygHDH
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vMTc4MTM2L3Jzcw
Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/show/hiring-and-empowering-solutions
YouTube - https://youtu.be/6gE-13rL3Nw

In this episode, Molly delves into the common issue of resistance to change within law firms, a challenge familiar to many attorneys and their teams. Molly addresses the underlying fears that often lead to people becoming the "wall of no" and provides actionable steps to create a positive shift in mindset and behavior.
 
Key Takeaways:
Resistance to change in law firms often stems from fear of change, fear of failure, and fear of increased accountability.
Adopting a "yes and" approach can significantly enhance collaboration, innovation, and open-mindedness within teams.
Fostering a culture of curiosity is pivotal in engaging team members and encouraging them to take initiative in implementing new ideas.
Open and honest communication in a respectful environment is instrumental in breaking down the "wall of no" and creating a productive work atmosphere.
Tracking not only time and money but also the energy within a team environment can lead to greater entrepreneurial freedom and empowerment.
 
Quote for the Show: "Why people become the wall of no. Often it is rooted in fear." - Molly McGrath
 
Links
Website: https://hiringandempowering.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hiringandempowering
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hiring&empoweringsolutions/
Law Firm Admin Bootcamp: https://www.lawfirmadminbootcamp.com/
Get Fix My Boss Book: https://amzn.to/3PCeEhk
 
Ways to Tune In:
Amazon Music - https://www.amazon.com/Hiring-and-Empowering-Solutions/dp/B08JJSLJ7N
Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hiring-and-empowering-solutions/id1460184599
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3oIfsDDnEDDkcumTCygHDH
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vMTc4MTM2L3Jzcw
Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/show/hiring-and-empowering-solutions
YouTube - https://youtu.be/3rsQYWgBTqM
 

In this episode, our guest Shari Biery, National Board Health & Wellness Coach, Alive With Purpose Health & Life Coaching, LLC, introduces insightful strategies to claim more calm and peace without putting oneself last. She starts by identifying exhaustion triggers and recognizing the physical and emotional symptoms of chronic stress. Shari also emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, advocating for one's needs, and the significance of effective delegation both in personal and professional contexts.
 
Key Takeaways:
 
Recognize exhaustion triggers: Know the physical and mental signs that indicate stress and burnout. Establish and advocate for boundaries: Prioritize tasks and learn to delegate or release those that are not crucial.
Implement simple "yes" habits: Commit to short, rejuvenating breaks throughout your day to reset and reduce stress.
Nourish and prioritize self-care: Practice a mindset of fueling yourself first for better overall well-being and efficiency at work.
Quote for the Show: "So say "no" is not a rejection, but a conscious choice to protect your time and energy." - Shari Biery
 
Links
Website: https://sharibiery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AliveWithPurposeCoaching
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shari-biery/
Law Firm Admin Bootcamp: https://www.lawfirmadminbootcamp.com/
Get Fix My Boss Book: https://amzn.to/3PCeEhk
 
Ways to Tune In:
Amazon Music - https://www.amazon.com/Hiring-and-Empowering-Solutions/dp/B08JJSLJ7N
Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hiring-and-empowering-solutions/id1460184599
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3oIfsDDnEDDkcumTCygHDH
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vMTc4MTM2L3Jzcw
Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/show/hiring-and-empowering-solutions
YouTube - https://youtu.be/i4aIOiwxlAI

In this episode, Molly is joined by Josh Sanford, Attorney & Managing Member, Sanford Law Firm. They delve into the evolving terrain of the legal business, towards the transformation in legal marketing and client relationships, emphasizing the significance of technology, social media, and specialist networking for the modern attorney. Josh shares his voracious appetite for attending legal conferences, not only as a speaker but also for personal growth and educational pursuits. With approximately 18 conferences on his schedule this year, he aims to meet market leaders and draw inspiration from their innovative practices.
 
Key Takeaways:
The business of law is undergoing a considerable transformation, with a shift towards heavy engagement on social media platforms and a focus on building real connections with potential clients.
Attorneys are encouraged to specialize in niche areas of law and share referrals through various online platforms, maximizing their ability to provide quality service without geographical limitations.
The value of organically grown audiences on social media for lawyers cannot be overstated; engagement extends beyond transactional attorney-client interactions.
Law firms can benefit from technology-enabled networks that facilitate case referrals across a wide geographic span, thereby optimizing both client service and business growth.
It is vital for firms to separate their businesses into origination and case management or litigation arms to avoid limiting their growth and potential revenue streams.
 
Quote for the Show: "And the highest fiduciary obligation that I can discharge to my client is to connect them with the best lawyer." - Josh Sanford
 
Links
Josh Sanford's Email: josh@sanfordlawfirm.com / josh@eagleteamlaw.com Sanford Law Firm: https://www.sanfordlawfirm.com Eagle Team: https://eagleteam.law/join-us/ Website: https://hiringandempowering.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hiringandempowering LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hiring&empoweringsolutions/ Law Firm Admin Bootcamp: https://www.lawfirmadminbootcamp.com/ Get Fix My Boss Book: https://amzn.to/3PCeEhk 8-Week Sales & Marketing Challenge: https://bit.ly/LFABC8-WeekChallenge  
Ways to Tune In:
Amazon Music - https://www.amazon.com/Hiring-and-Empowering-Solutions/dp/B08JJSLJ7N
Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hiring-and-empowering-solutions/id1460184599
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3oIfsDDnEDDkcumTCygHDH
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vMTc4MTM2L3Jzcw
Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/show/hiring-and-empowering-solutions
YouTube - https://youtu.be/cW_70w28o-4

In this episode, Molly provides valuable insights into the inevitable aspects of managing a team, such as the need sometimes to make difficult staffing changes, and how to evolve a business into a structured and systematic entity. She explains the need for alignment with the company's vision and goals, urging business owners to remain steadfast in this journey toward growth and operational excellence.
 
Key Takeaways:
Implementing structured business practices such as KPIs, job descriptions, and systematic workflows is essential as a company grows. Resistance to change is a natural part of the process, particularly from first or long-standing employees, and must be addressed strategically.
As businesses systematize, it's not uncommon for employees to feel micromanaged, but this transparency is crucial for the overall health of the company.
An employee's reluctance towards structured growth can sometimes indicate that the company may no longer be the right fit for them.
Having difficult but necessary conversations, whether about performance or business direction, is crucial for maintaining progress and achieving goals.
 
Quote for the Show: "Yes, you will have to fire people. That's part of the deal." - Molly McGrath
 
Links
Website: https://hiringandempowering.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hiringandempowering
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hiring&empoweringsolutions/
Law Firm Admin Bootcamp: https://www.lawfirmadminbootcamp.com/
Get Fix My Boss Book: https://amzn.to/3PCeEhk
 
Ways to Tune In:
Amazon Music - https://www.amazon.com/Hiring-and-Empowering-Solutions/dp/B08JJSLJ7N
Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hiring-and-empowering-solutions/id1460184599
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3oIfsDDnEDDkcumTCygHDH
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vMTc4MTM2L3Jzcw
Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/show/hiring-and-empowering-solutions
YouTube - https://youtu.be/eqbQwlCf5AQ

In this episode, Molly tackles the pervasive and potentially harmful belief that employees will never care as much about your business as you do. She challenges those in law firm leadership, to reconsider this notion and cultivate a culture of trust and empowerment in their teams.
 
Key Takeaways:
Empowering Belief: Employees can and do care about your business as much as you do, which is a foundational truth for sustainable business growth. Cultural Shift: To build trust and let go of micromanagement, it's essential to shift the workplace culture to one that recognizes and appreciates employees' commitment.
Active Engagement: Molly urges leaders to engage in open dialogue with team members to better understand their role and contributions to the firm's success.
Mindset Matters: The belief that employees don't care may be rooted in leaders' lack of trust or fear of letting go, which needs to be addressed for the firm to progress.
Transforming Mindsets: By changing the narrative around employee investment, leaders can foster an environment where every team member is motivated to contribute actively to the firm's goals.
 
Quote for the Show: "Your employees tell me they feel like they care about the business more than you do." - Molly McGrath
 
Links
Website: https://hiringandempowering.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hiringandempowering
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hiring&empoweringsolutions/
Law Firm Admin Bootcamp: https://www.lawfirmadminbootcamp.com/
Get Fix My Boss Book: https://amzn.to/3PCeEhk
The Estate Planning and Elder Law Marketing Summit – https://estateandelderlawsummit.com/event-details
 
Ways to Tune In:
Amazon Music - https://www.amazon.com/Hiring-and-Empowering-Solutions/dp/B08JJSLJ7N
Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hiring-and-empowering-solutions/id1460184599
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3oIfsDDnEDDkcumTCygHDH
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vMTc4MTM2L3Jzcw
Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/show/hiring-and-empowering-solutions
YouTube - https://youtu.be/afrSS1dxVvY