Welcome to The One Minute Manager. Our goal is to provide you with quick tips that will enhance the success of your practice. Within 60 seconds you will gain an idea that will increase your profitability or simply ease the burden of a difficult management issue. We hope you will find this a valuable resource.

The One Minute Manager . . . . .

Daniel Goleman climbed onto a New York City bus on an unbearably steamy afternoon and was greeted by an enthusiastic smile and a welcoming greeting from the bus driver. Daniel noted a remarkable transformation among the similarly greeted passengers. The sullen attitude of many had been shaken off and replaced by cheeriness and a positive change in body language with infectious smiles. This encounter became the genesis of his book, Social Intelligence, which sold over 5 million copies and examined the power of enthusiasm in the workplace.

Enthusiasm is a force multiplier that is often missing in law firms. The law profession is a demanding field with extraordinary pressures and it is difficult to have an upbeat temperament. Yet it is this feature that consistently distinguishes the highly successful firms. These firms create an environment that is welcoming and supportive, where professionals enjoy interpersonal relationships above other factors that undermine less passionate firms. Positive attitudes and mutual respect are implicit in their value system.

This time of year is a clear example how good feelings are developed by expressive gestures. Holiday wishes express interest in people over work issues. It is truly a magical and transforming time of year. My year-end wish for you is to continue the magic and embrace optimism throughout the coming year. Have a wonderful holiday and be refreshed by the joys of the season.