{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"The Isaac Firm","home_page_url":"https://theisaacfirm.com","description":"The Isaac Firm","author":{"name":"The Isaac Firm"},"items":[{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/getting-on-board","html_content":"

Many professionals aspire to serve on a Board of Trustees or Directors. For some, it represents the pinnacle of a career of distinction and can allow people to be of service for the common good while at the height or twi...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/getting-on-board","title":"Getting on Board","summary":"Many professionals aspire to serve on a Board of Trustees or Directors. For some, it represents the pinnacle of a career of distinction and can allow people to be of service for the common good while at the height or twi...","date_modified":"2026-10-11T13:13:27Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/dignity-begins-before-day-one","html_content":"

Workplace culture isn’t just a product of what happens in the conference rooms, the Zoom rooms, and at the water cooler. It encompasses everything. All interactions between coworkers throughout their journey together. An...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/dignity-begins-before-day-one","title":"Dignity Begins Before Day One","summary":"Workplace culture isn’t just a product of what happens in the conference rooms, the Zoom rooms, and at the water cooler. It encompasses everything. All interactions between coworkers throughout their journey together. An...","date_modified":"2026-10-01T16:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/staying-above-board","html_content":"

The dance between a nonprofit executive director and its Board is a delicate one. When they twist and turn in unison, it can be a beautiful thing and produce masterpieces that amaze the world. But when meeting-of-the-min...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/staying-above-board","title":"Staying Above Board","summary":"The dance between a nonprofit executive director and its Board is a delicate one. When they twist and turn in unison, it can be a beautiful thing and produce masterpieces that amaze the world. But when meeting-of-the-min...","date_modified":"2026-09-27T13:32:35Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/empathy-leads-to-dignity","html_content":"

It is incumbent upon institutional leaders to model dignity-infused behaviors when interacting with colleagues and subordinates. Treating others with dignity and respect, everyone along the hierarchical tree, is a positi...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/empathy-leads-to-dignity","title":"Empathy Leads to Dignity","summary":"It is incumbent upon institutional leaders to model dignity-infused behaviors when interacting with colleagues and subordinates. Treating others with dignity and respect, everyone along the hierarchical tree, is a positi...","date_modified":"2026-09-21T16:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/truth-is-a-defense","html_content":"

Sometimes we need to tell the truth.

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/truth-is-a-defense","title":"Truth is a Defense","summary":"Sometimes we need to tell the truth.","date_modified":"2026-09-14T16:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/the-power-of-the-apology","html_content":"

Apologies are hard to give. In the employment context, many view apologizing as a sign of weakness or, worse, a sign of admission of wrong. I submit that when done the right way it is actually a sign of a culturally resi...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/the-power-of-the-apology","title":"The Power of the Apology","summary":"Apologies are hard to give. In the employment context, many view apologizing as a sign of weakness or, worse, a sign of admission of wrong. I submit that when done the right way it is actually a sign of a culturally resi...","date_modified":"2026-09-07T16:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/dignified-dismissals","html_content":"

I love watching television series where I get consumed with the fictional lives of the characters. I watch them to settle my mind and escape life for a few moments or hours, but inevitably I am touched by something that ...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/dignified-dismissals","title":"Dignified Dismissals","summary":"I love watching television series where I get consumed with the fictional lives of the characters. I watch them to settle my mind and escape life for a few moments or hours, but inevitably I am touched by something that ...","date_modified":"2026-09-05T13:41:23Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/a-communal-focused-approach-to-dispute-resolution-in-academia","html_content":"

First, please allow me to get this off my chest. Every college, university and school system should have an ombudsperson either on staff or employed as an independent contractor. Having a trained dispute resolution profe...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/a-communal-focused-approach-to-dispute-resolution-in-academia","title":"A Communal-Focused Approach to Dispute Resolution in Academia","summary":"First, please allow me to get this off my chest. Every college, university and school system should have an ombudsperson either on staff or employed as an independent contractor. Having a trained dispute resolution profe...","date_modified":"2026-08-19T16:42:33Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/workplace-investigations-from-duty-to-dignity","html_content":"

The only word that is worse than investigation is termination, and often the former immediately precedes the latter.

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/workplace-investigations-from-duty-to-dignity","title":"Workplace Investigations: From Duty to Dignity","summary":"The only word that is worse than investigation is termination, and often the former immediately precedes the latter.","date_modified":"2026-08-15T13:24:48Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/the-urgency-of-workplace-dignity","html_content":"

Let’s make a quick inventory of some of the highlights of last year:

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/the-urgency-of-workplace-dignity","title":"The Urgency of Workplace Dignity","summary":"Let’s make a quick inventory of some of the highlights of last year:","date_modified":"2026-08-10T14:09:55Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/forgive-and-forget","html_content":"

Forgive and forget. This is probably one of the most widely known and repeated phrases in the United States. Out of curiosity, I researched the phrase and learned that it traces back to the 14th century – popularized by ...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/forgive-and-forget","title":"Forgive and Forge(t)","summary":"Forgive and forget. This is probably one of the most widely known and repeated phrases in the United States. Out of curiosity, I researched the phrase and learned that it traces back to the 14th century – popularized by ...","date_modified":"2026-08-08T13:08:20Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/when-work-threatens-human-needs","html_content":"

You have probably heard about the seven (7) basic human needs. Perhaps the list you heard about had six (6) needs, or maybe even eight (8). Regardless, most of us are keenly aware that humans are at their best when their...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/when-work-threatens-human-needs","title":"When Work Threatens Human Needs","summary":"You have probably heard about the seven (7) basic human needs. Perhaps the list you heard about had six (6) needs, or maybe even eight (8). Regardless, most of us are keenly aware that humans are at their best when their...","date_modified":"2026-07-22T16:46:28Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/the-small-nonprofit-501h-advantage","html_content":"

I have been asked many times about the limits to the 501(c)3 nonprofit designation for small charities that desire to delve into political advocacy. This desire is relatively common, as nonprofits generally driven by gra...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/the-small-nonprofit-501h-advantage","title":"The Small Nonprofit 501(h) Advantage","summary":"I have been asked many times about the limits to the 501(c)3 nonprofit designation for small charities that desire to delve into political advocacy. This desire is relatively common, as nonprofits generally driven by gra...","date_modified":"2026-07-11T13:11:17Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/nam-hearing-officer-appointment","html_content":"

I am pleased to announce that I have recently joined NAM (National Arbitration and Mediation) as a Hearing Officer. NAM is one of the nation's leading full-service providers of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) servic...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/nam-hearing-officer-appointment","title":"NAM Hearing Officer Appointment","summary":"I am pleased to announce that I have recently joined NAM (National Arbitration and Mediation) as a Hearing Officer. NAM is one of the nation's leading full-service providers of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) servic...","date_modified":"2026-06-30T15:38:44Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/making-severance-agreements-simpler","html_content":"

Few things are more frustrating in life than the realization that an employment relationship has run its course and is coming to an unceremonious conclusion. Sometimes, separation or severance agreements are offered by t...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/making-severance-agreements-simpler","title":"Making Severance Agreements Simple(r)","summary":"Few things are more frustrating in life than the realization that an employment relationship has run its course and is coming to an unceremonious conclusion. Sometimes, separation or severance agreements are offered by t...","date_modified":"2026-06-26T15:02:47Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/be-the-supervisor-who-inspires-not-fires","html_content":"

Firing is easy. Inspiring is hard.

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/be-the-supervisor-who-inspires-not-fires","title":"Be the Supervisor who Inspires Not Fires","summary":"Firing is easy. Inspiring is hard.","date_modified":"2026-06-11T14:02:59Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/pipn-aint-easy","html_content":"

If only every employee had excellent performance. Even very good, good, or (gulp) average might suffice. But alas, this is not always the case. As a result, the dreaded performance management process kicks in. This norma...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/pipn-aint-easy","title":"PIP'n Ain't Easy","summary":"If only every employee had excellent performance. Even very good, good, or (gulp) average might suffice. But alas, this is not always the case. As a result, the dreaded performance management process kicks in. This norma...","date_modified":"2026-06-10T13:41:35Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/begin-at-the-end","html_content":"

When negotiating, people approach the process from different vantage points. In truth, there are no right or wrong approaches. My preference, however, is to begin with the end in mind.

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/begin-at-the-end","title":"Begin at the End","summary":"When negotiating, people approach the process from different vantage points. In truth, there are no right or wrong approaches. My preference, however, is to begin with the end in mind.","date_modified":"2026-04-08T15:24:33Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/rebuilding-trust","html_content":"

Some goals are elusive and, once attained, they are difficult to maintain. One of the most elusive goals is weight loss. It can take 3 months to lose 10 pounds, and yet it can take a mere 3 days on vacation to gain it al...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/rebuilding-trust","title":"Rebuilding Trust","summary":"Some goals are elusive and, once attained, they are difficult to maintain. One of the most elusive goals is weight loss. It can take 3 months to lose 10 pounds, and yet it can take a mere 3 days on vacation to gain it al...","date_modified":"2026-03-05T16:20:26Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/lawyer-as-advocate-or-peacemaker","html_content":"

Lawyers play a significant, if not oversized, role when it comes to conflicts. People hire attorneys to help them navigate the conflicts, and the attorneys have a legal obligation to fight for the best interests of their...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/lawyer-as-advocate-or-peacemaker","title":"Lawyer as Advocate or Peacemaker","summary":"Lawyers play a significant, if not oversized, role when it comes to conflicts. People hire attorneys to help them navigate the conflicts, and the attorneys have a legal obligation to fight for the best interests of their...","date_modified":"2026-02-02T14:46:30Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/the-problem-or-the-person","html_content":"

When dealing with an employee relations concern, it is easy to look at the people involved. If it is a performance issue, we wonder why the person has decided to underperform, or if the person lacks the skill or educatio...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/the-problem-or-the-person","title":"The Problem or the Person","summary":"When dealing with an employee relations concern, it is easy to look at the people involved. If it is a performance issue, we wonder why the person has decided to underperform, or if the person lacks the skill or educatio...","date_modified":"2026-01-22T14:06:13Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/shall-i-or-ai","html_content":"

AI is a wonderful tool. I must admit, I was initially highly skeptical about it. I mean, as someone who has watched every Terminator movie, as well as I Am Robot and M3GAN, surely the computers will take over the world a...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/shall-i-or-ai","title":"Shall I or AI?","summary":"AI is a wonderful tool. I must admit, I was initially highly skeptical about it. I mean, as someone who has watched every Terminator movie, as well as I Am Robot and M3GAN, surely the computers will take over the world a...","date_modified":"2025-12-22T13:35:51Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/keeping-your-policies-fresh","html_content":"

Don't let your policies grow stale. Change is constant. Laws and regulations change all the time. Court cases are handed down daily and may result in new interpretations on how employees should behave. Just like you peri...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/keeping-your-policies-fresh","title":"Keeping your Policies Fresh","summary":"Don't let your policies grow stale. Change is constant. Laws and regulations change all the time. Court cases are handed down daily and may result in new interpretations on how employees should behave. Just like you peri...","date_modified":"2025-12-14T13:03:57Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/adr-and-the-workplace","html_content":"

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and the workplace truly do go hand in hand. Indeed, this is where I have centered my career, my scholarship, and my practice. While some believe that it is unwise to mediate the resol...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/adr-and-the-workplace","title":"ADR and the Workplace","summary":"Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and the workplace truly do go hand in hand. Indeed, this is where I have centered my career, my scholarship, and my practice. While some believe that it is unwise to mediate the resol...","date_modified":"2025-11-29T12:57:47Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/tempting-templates","html_content":"

The best way to handle contracts is to create templates. Let's face it, the strongest negotiating position is to be first. When you give the other party your template, they have to react to it. This puts you in the pole ...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/tempting-templates","title":"Tempting Templates","summary":"The best way to handle contracts is to create templates. Let's face it, the strongest negotiating position is to be first. When you give the other party your template, they have to react to it. This puts you in the pole ...","date_modified":"2025-11-15T16:04:53Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/sharing-is-caring","html_content":"

When the dreaded performance evaluation time approaches, managers and employees alike tend to get nervous. Employees may worry that a less than stellar evaluation means they are not performing or that they may not get a ...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/sharing-is-caring","title":"Sharing is Caring","summary":"When the dreaded performance evaluation time approaches, managers and employees alike tend to get nervous. Employees may worry that a less than stellar evaluation means they are not performing or that they may not get a ...","date_modified":"2025-11-08T12:01:37Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/crafty-contract-catches","html_content":"

Earlier this month we touched on some of the most important contract terms to review and potentially negotiate edits to before signing on the dotted line. Today, let's hit a few more not-so-common but also key provisions...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/crafty-contract-catches","title":"Crafty Contract Catches","summary":"Earlier this month we touched on some of the most important contract terms to review and potentially negotiate edits to before signing on the dotted line. Today, let's hit a few more not-so-common but also key provisions...","date_modified":"2025-10-29T11:37:20Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/understand-why","html_content":"

Whether mediating, investigating, or serving as an ombudsperson trying to help resolve a dispute, one of the most important things to understand is why. By this I mean, why did the parties do/say what they did?! Understa...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/understand-why","title":"Understand Why","summary":"Whether mediating, investigating, or serving as an ombudsperson trying to help resolve a dispute, one of the most important things to understand is why. By this I mean, why did the parties do/say what they did?! Understa...","date_modified":"2025-10-20T13:07:39Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/clean-up-your-policies","html_content":"

On several occasions I have had the "pleasure" of engaging in a policies cleanup effort (while it is a necessary and important task, I use the word 'pleasure' veeeery loosely). These cleanup projects tend to take up to a...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/clean-up-your-policies","title":"Clean Up Your Policies!","summary":"On several occasions I have had the \"pleasure\" of engaging in a policies cleanup effort (while it is a necessary and important task, I use the word 'pleasure' veeeery loosely). These cleanup projects tend to take up to a...","date_modified":"2025-10-15T15:34:57Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/what-to-know-before-the-investigation","html_content":"

Investigations are tricky. They are time consuming. They are political. They are emotional. They are serious. To do them well we need to know several things at the onset. If we fail to appreciate these preliminary matter...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/what-to-know-before-the-investigation","title":"What to Know Before the Investigation","summary":"Investigations are tricky. They are time consuming. They are political. They are emotional. They are serious. To do them well we need to know several things at the onset. If we fail to appreciate these preliminary matter...","date_modified":"2025-10-08T14:09:01Z"},{"id":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/contract-basics-for-busy-professionals","html_content":"

One of the most important tasks for a business is to manage contracts. Indeed, they are the critically important to many things a business hopes to accomplish - from strategic partnerships to the procurement of mission-c...

","url":"https://theisaacfirm.com/blog/f/contract-basics-for-busy-professionals","title":"Contract Basics for Busy Professionals","summary":"One of the most important tasks for a business is to manage contracts. Indeed, they are the critically important to many things a business hopes to accomplish - from strategic partnerships to the procurement of mission-c...","date_modified":"2025-10-05T12:58:03Z"}]}