In a previous post, here, I discussed the importance of a board of directors for private companies. I want to dig a bit deeper into the specific issue of who you should invite to be on your board of directors. While at first thought this might be a resting spot for executives, friends and family, thinking more strategically about your board composition will provide significant advantages to your business. (more…)
I recently came across this video that discusses the basic topic of motivating people. I think you will be very surprised at what the research actually shows. Next time you need to motivate your employees, think about these simple concepts.
(Hat Tip: Darin Lynch — Thanks!)
Here is a follow-up report by CBS News on the hidden dangers of digital copiers. The original report is here. Massachusetts Congressman Ed Markey called for an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission — concerned most Americans don’t know their information can be compromised. “We have to do a lot more to insure that the public and corporations know this,” Rep. Markey said, “and that absolute security is applied to copy machines across our country.”
What do you think?
(Hat Tip: Michael Mason Norman, ED.D. — Thanks!)
Did you know that most digital copiers have a hard drive? Did you know that every copy on these machines is recorded and stored on that hard drive. So, what happens when that copier (and hard drive) leaves your office? Take a look at this CBS News report:
Bottom line: make sure you take appropriate precautions to erase the hard drive when you get rid of your digital copier.
As the end of the year fast approaches, our thoughts turn to holiday cheer and family fun! However, it is also important to think about a few simple pieces of annual corporate maintenance to protect you and your company. Two important and often overlooked items include filing the annual registration for your company and holding your annual meetings. (more…)
According to a recent article from the Wall Street Journal, some new cases have begun to erode the long-standing view that personal emails sent from a work computer can be monitored by employers.
In the past, most courts have treated corporate computers, and anything on them, as company property. However, in recent rulings, courts have begun to investigate the circumstances around disclosure of policies to employees and other factors. For example:
While it is probably too early to make any sweeping generalizations about this trend, it certainly suggests that employers need to review their policies, practices and training to make sure they do not run afoul of this evolving issue.
In a recent article from Law.com, an industry observer stated “[a]lternative fee arrangements are like teenage sex. There’s a lot more people talking about it than doing it—and those that are doing it don’t really know what they’re doing. . . .” While yes, that is a juicy, headline-attracting quote, I tend to agree with it wholeheartedly.
Ethos Business Law, in conjunction with Russell Herder, is excited to offer a webinar: “Social Media: Embracing the Opportunities, Averting the Risks” on Tuesday, August 25 from 12 to 1 p.m. CT (register here).
Social media is one of the hottest topics today, with the pros and cons of its use being debated in board rooms nationwide. In light of recent restrictions on employees’ social media use (ESPN, Marine Corps, NFL), companies are discussing whether, how and to what degree they should restrict or encourage their employees to use social networking tools. This webinar will offer insight into business leaders’ views and perceptions on this issue and will provide actionable recommendations and advice on the development of social media policies and employee training sessions.
Led by Carol Russell, CEO of Russell Herder, and David Baer, president of Ethos Business Law and one of Minnesota Lawyer publication’s Attorneys of the Year, the webinar will also highlight the insights gleaned from the recent national study conducted by the two firms on social media trends in the workplace and policy adoption.
Sign up for this free webinar here.
In advance of the webinar, we invite you to submit questions and suggestions for topics to be covered in the presentation under Comments.
Should employees be encouraged to use social networking to enhance business outreach? Or will such activity impede productivity, increase reputational risk, and most importantly increase liability issues? These and other questions are clearly on the minds of today’s management.
Recent research conducted with Russell Herder found eight in 10 businesses have concerns about the potential liabilities of social media. Yet, only one-third have a policy in place to govern social media use, and just 10 percent said they have conducted relevant employee training.
Instead of ignoring the need for responsible guidelines, organizations of all sizes should begin to define their strategy regarding social media, and most importantly, the rules for employee engagement. By doing so, management can take advantage of the benefits offered by these new communication channels while mitigating undue risk. But remember, social media is a far different animal than traditional technology. A company’s current policies on IT matters are usually not sufficient.
All companies are different, thus the rules for creating and implementing a social media policy are not universal. They must take the form, substance, philosophy and culture of the organization to which they apply. However, the following are some important elements to include in a good social media policy:
