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Something is stirring in the belly of the economy

Paul Zukowski Business Management, Services & Risk Management

There are a few signs of things taking off in wrong directions in the U.S. economy this month. Then again, some things never change, such as the inability of economists to accurately predict monthly job gains — the Bloomberg survey expected 190,000 in February, while the reality was 235,000.

How to work less and accomplish more

Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Perhaps with just one more day in the week, we could get all our work done. Or maybe even with just a few uninterrupted hours, we could achieve an empty inbox or completed to-do list. Then, we could take a minute to indulge in more creative pursuits. Yes, if we were just given the chance to work a little more, we could get it all done and then do something fun.

How to increase ideas and reduce complaints right now

Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk Management

As leaders, we have the luxury of making and implementing decisions rather quickly. Instead of having to convince layers of people above us why something is a good idea, we need only convince ourselves it is worth doing. The problem arises when implementing good ideas conflicts with our modus operandi. In such cases, if we take a minute to listen, we will hear ways to increase ideas and decrease complaints that we can implement right away.

How to use Facebook to hire your next great employee

Emma Fitzpatrick Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Last fall, Facebook introduced Facebook at Work, which allows companies to create their own employee-centric social network. In essence, it’s an employee collaboration, communication and engagement tool that all your employees already know how to use. Now that Facebook has dipped its toes into the world of employee communications, the company is taking it one step further — recruiting.

Tenants, beware of landlords with 13-inch rulers

Dale Willerton and Jeff Grandfield Retail

Measure twice so you only pay once. While representing commercial tenants with leasing matters since 1993, we have found that some landlords are overcharging tenants for more square footage than the tenant actually has. As we explain in our book, this is a common discrepancy in the commercial leasing industry. Are you paying for phantom space?

Every good leader needs to know FACTS

Damon Sayles Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Most of us will agree — if we sit and think about it — that there’s a substantial difference between being a leader and being a manager. Some may even argue that while a person can be taught to be a manager, that same person cannot be taught to be a leader. True leaders, however, are about the overall vision of not only the company but the future of the business. A good leader is all about facts — or, in this case, FACTS.

Talkin’ ‘bout my generation: Recruiting millennials to the…

Sam DiGiovanna Law Enforcement, Defense & Security

In my last article, I detailed some of the characteristics that mark the millennial generation. Many of these characteristics — such as difficulty accepting orders or the desire to communicate electronically vs. face-to-face contact — don’t translate well to the fire station environment. But new recruits are the lifeblood of the organization; we can’t just avoid hiring young people. So, what to do about this generational issue?

Is gender bias really that big of a problem?

Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk Management

How can we live in one of the most advanced societies in history and still be fighting biases in the workplace? With amazing opportunities, continued focus on improving corporate culture and advances in the ways we can work together, is it really possible that gender bias is still a problem? Much of the problem with gender bias is how subtle and simultaneously pervasive it is.

Is my board broken?

Robert C. Harris Association Management

In a meeting with association executives, I asked, "Is there anything wrong with your board of directors?" I chronicle the replies and offer solutions. Of course, the purpose of a board is to govern the association. Directors serve as trustees or fiduciaries on behalf of the membership. Meetings of the board should produce results. This article features the concerns of a dozen executives.

The difference between fair and fraudulent mechanics liens

Nate Budde Construction & Building Materials

Mechanics liens are extremely powerful tools for protection against nonpayment in the construction industry. Just like any powerful tool, however, mechanics liens can be abused. Unscrupulous parties who want to get more than their proper share, who just want to cause problems for a particular project, or are just looking to make a fraudulent grab for cash sometimes file liens for these underhanded purposes. Filing an incorrect and improper mechanics lien for a knowingly fraudulent purpose is problematic in several ways.

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