July 7, 2014

Skip Records Management and Start Governing Your Information

Are Your Information Governance  Policies Still Based On This?
2014 © Cary J. Calderone

Since 2007, in spite of my best efforts, I have watched as organizations lost control of their electronic data and struggled to implement classification systems and other good information governance protocols. And yet, it might not be entirely their fault.  I routinely see advertisements from "expert" consulting groups that offer a “solution” for records and information management based on the ancient approach of retention policies and schedules. This is like having a modern steel and glass building and hiring a carpenter with wood and nails to help you expand. The usual advice starts with “the foundation” that includes a records plan or policy and then attempts to expand it to cover electronically stored information (ESI).   Why?  Is it because existing records programs have been performing so well?  I doubt it.  Ask employees at most organizations about the adequacy of their current records policy and you will receive the same response, “what records policy?”   So, if it really was not working for paper, why would consultants suggest that you just update it to handle ESI? Classification and retention programs that achieved barely adequate to horrendous results historically with paper, are not going to work with your expanding email, instant messaging, social media, and new media applications.    How about an approach that will work? 

March 21, 2014

The Exchange-Still Very Good

by Cary J. Calderone, Esq.
Click here for information on future Exchanges!

Even without Browning Marean moderating (best wishes for a speedy recovery to Browning) the Exchange stayed fun and interesting.  In the years that I have attended, I have noticed that eliciting audience participation has become easier for the moderators.  The audience chimes in faster, and with more real-world examples and issues.  It is obvious that the attendees appreciate the roundtable and open discussion format as much as I do. 

March 13, 2014

Review of Data Crush-Sometimes You Can Judge A Book By Its Title

By Cary J. Calderone, Esq.

My quick summary of the book:  Either crush, or be crushed.  The amount of data is growing faster than ever.  Data Crush by Chris Surdak explains why this is happening and provides a roadmap for keeping your business on the right side of the tidal wave of data.   A key observation Surdak shares is that:

The Internet used to be a tool for telling your customers about your business. Now its real value lies in what it tells you about them.

 In other words, you either take advantage of new technology and new data, or, your competitors will, and you may be out of business.  

March 3, 2014

And The Winner Of The Oscar For Best Prediction Goes To...

2014 © Cary J. Calderone

"I would like to thank the academy and all those who have supported this blog...  [sniffle
sniffle]  Without you this moment would not be possible."   Okay, this blog post has nothing to do with the Academy Awards except that I thought I would take a moment to pat myself on the back, just like Hollywood does for more than 3 1/2 hours (that seems like 8) during the Academy Awards.   In December of 2012 in my year-end post, I boldly predicted that e-discovery tools like Guidance and Autonomy, could be redesigned and/or repackaged for Business Intelligence and Information Governance. (link to the original blog post Forecast-2013)
Recently there has been a new marketing push for many E-Discovery products for "Pro-Active Information Governance."  

January 12, 2014

I Was So Wrong-My Review Of "The Plugged-In Manager"

by Cary J. Calderone, Esq.

It is difficult for anybody to admit they were wrong.  Perhaps even more so for an attorney skilled at arguing to the contrary, but I have to admit it now because the more I learn, the more I realize just how wrong I was.  Flash back to the year 2000, when I was becoming friends with author Dr. Terri L. Griffith.  She explained that the focus of her work was around "Organizational Behavior" and "Virtual Teams."   She even described it as arguably the most critical part of the MBA curriculum.  Are you rolling your eyes?  I know I sure did.  She went on to say that while in school, MBA students believe Finance and other core subjects are the most important.  However, once they graduate and have been out in the workforce for a few years, their opinions change.  Then, OB and VT courses have the highest priority and are the first they take when they return for Executive Education.  Apparently, the MBA students were initially wrong too.  As I read her book, I could not help but reflect on my past seven years of record and information management counseling and just how much more my "organizational behavior" skills and knowledge  outweighed my legal skills when it came to getting results.