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Infographic: How do Americans feel about online privacy?
John Mason Science & TechnologyIt appears that the majority of Americans fear attacks by hackers, while 26 percent are worried about the collection of their data from major corporations. Another underlying fear of many Americans is a general mistrust in key institutions to protect their data. Due to the deluge of data breaches in 2017 and 2018, people feel as if it’s only a matter of time before their data is exposed to cyberattackers. However valid those fears may be, Americans still take no precautionary steps to protect their data, which begs the question: What will it take for Americans to prioritize internet security?
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How to conduct a governance efficiency review
Robert C. Harris Association ManagementAn association's governance structure, culture and documents tend to become cluttered through time. Committees and directors like to "leave their mark" by adding people to the board, amending bylaws and suggesting policies ad nauseam. For instance, an association added a house of delegates because they felt it would protect against the executive committee hijacking the organization. To start the cleanup process, appoint a governance efficiency task force.
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Use positive persuasion to meet your organization’s goals
Lisa Mulcahy Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementWhen trying to land a new client, close a sale, or win approval for a new project, selling your idea factually is, of course, your first priority. Yet, you also know it's crucial never to lose focus of the human element of connection — finding just the right way to convince the person in front of you that doing business with you will be beneficial, and will be a pleasure as well. This is where mastering the skill of positive persuasion comes in.
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Associations adapt for relevance
Robert C. Harris Association ManagementOne of the most compelling books for association change is "Race for Relevance: 5 Radical Changes for Associations." Though everyday adaptations are not always "radical," boards might focus less on their past and more on the future. Association vital signs may be membership market share and retention rate. More important indicators are impact and outcomes. In a recent meeting of association executives, they shared how they are adapting.
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Why every leader should apply for a job with their company
Roberta Matuson Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementI’m always telling my clients to apply for a job with their company to see what the candidate experience is really like. I took my own advice recently and applied for a job on behalf of my client. When my client found out how many jobs candidates were getting recommended for after applying on job board sites, he was horrified. But at least he uncovered this and took steps to rectify the situation. Do you even have a clue how effective your recruitment strategy really is?
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How to best support an employee on sick leave
Lisa Mulcahy Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementIf you have a staff member who's dealing with an unexpected major illness or must take time away from work to deal with treatment for a chronic condition, you can only imagine how difficult their absence must be to deal with. From worrying about falling behind on their work, to dealing with unsympathetic peers who have to pick up their responsibilities, a worker on sick leave will often imagine the worst — but you, as his/her supervisor, can do a lot to relieve this stress.
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What does your email signature say about you?
Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementRegardless of the size, recipient or intent of the message, email signature blocks are little snippets of information we send out hundreds of times per week to repeat and new receivers. They are advertisements that reflect our professionalism, personality and focus. More than just a way to get in touch, these few lines of text can be valuable messaging tools when used properly. What does your email signature say about you?
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New ways to meet all of your daily work goals
Lisa Mulcahy Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementImagine looking down tonight at your to-do list — and seeing every single item has been checked off. It's not a dream — starting today, you can accomplish each daily work goal you set for yourself with accuracy and ease, all by employing some excellent research-tested tips. Try these simple and surprising tricks.
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Team building without the hassles
Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementUgh, team building. From HR-unfriendly happy hours or rock-climbing walls to cheesy ice-breakers and overpriced workshops, there are so many options for team building it can be numbing. Further, so many of us have had more annoying team-building experiences than positive ones it can be hard to find the motivation to participate fully, even if it might be a productive event. Enter: passive team building. Passive team building activities allow everyone to participate in a group project at their own level of social comfort.
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Governance between the rails
Robert C. Harris Association ManagementThe elected chair of a chamber of commerce suggested, "A strategic plan keeps the board members between the rails." Her comment made sense to support good governance and a high-performing board. The rails are like train tracks. The intent is to stay within the rails. The board should avoid derailments and detours. Here’s how it applies to association good governance. The board wants to stay on the straight and narrow. Distractions are frequent.
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