Some athletes at private colleges are employees with rights, according to a memorandum from the general counsel of the National Labor Relations Board. Despite internal findings, the NLRB declined to get involved in Northwestern University football players' attempt to unionize in 2015. The New York Times (free-article access for SmartBrief readers) (2/1)
Strong leaders don't worry about being liked and create challenging environments for people to learn and grow, says Navy SEAL Marcus Capone. Despite conditioning to avoid stressful environments, extreme conditions teach people to problem solve, adapt and ultimately succeed, Capone says. Inc. online (free registration) (1/26)
Benefits & Compensation
N.J. age discrimination plaintiff awarded record $51M A federal jury in Camden, N.J., has awarded former Lockheed Martin employee Robert Braden, who was 66 when he lost his job during a reduction in force, $520,000 in back wages, $520,000 for emotional distress and nearly $50 million in punitive damages. The award is roughly five times higher than any previous award for age discrimination in the state. The National Law Review/Drinker Biddle & Reath (1/31)
Try speaking simply next time Using jargon and acronyms instead of direct language can frustrate people and make them feel disconnected from the conversation, writes Gabrielle Dolan. She notes a 2011 study that "concluded that there was a lower level of trust when vague words were being used, and a higher level when more concrete words were used." SmartCompany.com.au (Australia) (1/31)
If each of us hires people who are bigger than we are, we shall become a company of giants.
