By Steve M. Cohen bio One of the most difficult challenges I face can be helping office managers and owners or partners resist an urge to "fight it out" in court. There are times when it is necessary to take legal action or aggressively defend action against your organization. But in most cases, it should be your last resort. You may not win the fight … [Read more...] about Even law offices should think twice before going to court
Insight
Two quick tips from a cybersecurity expert
By John W. Simek bio 1. You are the product: default settings to “steal” your privacy data It amazes me that nobody seems to read the terms of service or the permission settings when installing software or configuring devices. In this day of instant gratification it seems as though the normal actions are click, click, click on the “I accept” button. That seems to be what … [Read more...] about Two quick tips from a cybersecurity expert
Is your coworker like one of the family or is one of the family?
By Steve M. Cohen bio Let me preface this blog on nepotism by stating there is clearly a place for family businesses and organizations where related people work together for the good of the family cause and the good of the organization. That said, there are also organizations where familial relationships exist that are not always for the good of the cause. Often, … [Read more...] about Is your coworker like one of the family or is one of the family?
Employee rules change dramatically with 50 and up
By Steve M. Cohen bio When it comes to sick leave in your office of 50 or more employees, you have to follow the doctor's orders regardless of whether or not you think the reason for the leave is justified. Because most office managers are so singularly focused on their firm, they are appalled to learn of all the limitations placed upon them by government rules and … [Read more...] about Employee rules change dramatically with 50 and up
When helping employees is your ministry
By Steve M. Cohen bio I believe that everyone should have a ministry, a personal crusade to help someone. I believe we are placed here to do good things for others. Whether a ministry focuses on helping and making life better for others' children, helping and making life better for the ill and injured, or helping convicted criminals rehabilitate, it's all beneficial … [Read more...] about When helping employees is your ministry
50 quick training tips
By Michelle Spencer, Senior Trainer, Bracewell & Giuliani LLP bio@txmischief As a trainer for a large international law firm, I'm always looking to the future, and part of that includes staying abreast of what is going on within ILTA (International Legal Technology Association). I've been fortunate to attend the annual conference for the past several years as … [Read more...] about 50 quick training tips
Critical Mass—Not Just for Physics Anymore
By Steve M. Cohen bio While most of us have a limited understanding of physics, we have an idea of what "critical mass" means. But just in case you need a refresher: When you reach a sufficient and/or necessary level of something to effect something else, you have critical mass. For our purposes, forget the physical aspect and think about your organization. Do you … [Read more...] about Critical Mass—Not Just for Physics Anymore
Predatory behavior: Watch for it in your office
By Steve M. Cohen bio I've mentioned before that behavior can be grouped into three categories. 1. Overt behavior is behavior on a plan. A person decides he or she is going to do something and then does it. Setting an alarm and getting to work on time is overt behavior. 2. Inadvertent behavior could be described as autopilot behavior. It is … [Read more...] about Predatory behavior: Watch for it in your office
Due process safety net is complex, but not impossible
For many, summer is baseball season or, increasingly, soccer season. But in your workplace, you will also find team sports that can impact your bottom line or organizational effectiveness. Rules of the game If "players" in your organization are not playing ball the way they should, it's also a three-strike situation (or a red card, if you prefer soccer). What's important for … [Read more...] about Due process safety net is complex, but not impossible
How to start your new hires off on the right foot
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen I'm often amazed at how many organizations start on the wrong foot with new employees. When you consider how much time you're going to invest in this person over the years, it's worth ensuring that you set the groundwork for success. And some of the most important steps begin even before the hiring. Both sides expect professionalism Even a normally … [Read more...] about How to start your new hires off on the right foot