Here are three quick applications of new research in the field of learning sciences on how to instill deeper learning in trainees: Present a problem and ask your trainees to try to solve the problem first before providing the solution. Ask trainees to explain how they will use their new skills. This requires them to consider the training in the context of their work and … [Read more...] about 3 quick training tips
Managing staff
Model Policy: Employee computer use and social networking
Why you need this policy: The law governing your right to discipline employees for the things they say on blogs and social networks is still in its infancy stages. But even from the early cases, it has become clear that online conversations are not simply private matters. There's a big difference between bad mouthing a company, supervisor or colleague to a friend in a bar over … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Employee computer use and social networking
How to protect your practice against costly FLSA and EEOC claims
Do an HR audit at the start of each year Today's protection against tomorrow's employment law claims is a human resources audit. An audit is essential to keep the firm's employment processes accurate and current – and also followed, says Joseph Godwin, human resources consultant for F&H Solutions Group in Ashville, NC. The audit needs to be done every year, because with … [Read more...] about How to protect your practice against costly FLSA and EEOC claims
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
How to sift through and solve staff complaints
This month’s idea comes from a consultant who is also a former medical practice manager. It’s a short and easy way to handle one staffer’s complaint about another. The starting point is to sift through the complaints to identify which ones warrant the manager’s attention and which ones staff should deal with on their own, says Cindy Fondren Muise of Peyton, CO. As a manager, … [Read more...] about How to sift through and solve staff complaints
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
Workplace violence: A 10-step prevention and liability management plan
You don't need us to tell you that violence in the workplace has become a major societal problem. You probably also recognize that taking steps to keep violence out of your own workplace is not only a moral but a legal imperative. But what you may not know is exactly how to go about preventing workplace violence. And that's why we created this 10-step plan for you (as well as a … [Read more...] about Workplace violence: A 10-step prevention and liability management plan
5 ways your firm can be liable for workplace violence
Failure to prevent an act of violence from occurring at your workplace can result in your law firm being held liable under one or more of the following five laws: 1. U.S. OSHA The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) doesn't have a specific regulation or "standard" for workplace violence the way it does for other workplace hazards like chemicals, … [Read more...] about 5 ways your firm can be liable for workplace violence
Raffle gets staffers to monthly 8 a.m. meeting
A raffle for prizes gets each monthly meeting off to a fun start for the staff at a Finger Lakes, NY, professional office. Director of operations Eileen Szanyi says the draws are designed to increase attendance at the 8 a.m. meetings. “Those attending put their names into a basket for the month’s prizes,” she explains. “The gifts don’t have to be costly. One prize is always … [Read more...] about Raffle gets staffers to monthly 8 a.m. meeting