Here are some steps toward better team work.

Motivation Communications Associates provides a different approach to the standard performance appraisals through the use of its "Self-Perception Assessment." The "Self-Perception Assessment" method stands out from the usual assessment instruments in that it focuses on providing an analysis that is specific to the individual and certain situations.

I never imagined that my first Herald-Leader commentary would involve fighting for this newspaper's free-press protections. Yet it does.

Last Friday, U.S. District Court Judge Karen K. Caldwell, issued a momentous pro-First Amendment ruling in the lawsuit the Herald-Leader was forced to file against the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.

She stopped a new city-county ordinance that would have banned driveway distribution of free newspapers and other printed material from going into effect on May 1. City officials have not decided whether to appeal the decision. If they are wise stewards of precious tax dollars, they won't go down that road.

The ordinance, which includes a $200 penalty for each violation, is likely unconstitutional because it would have the effect of cutting off circulation of our free Community News.

A federal judge has ruled that Lexington cannot enforce a recently passed ordinance that restricts where advertising and other unsolicited printed materials can be delivered.

U.S. District Court Judge Karen Caldwell ruled Friday that the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government cannot enforce the ordinance that was supposed to take effect Monday until a court case challenging the ordinance has been resolved.

June 30 is the new due date for the Department of Labor's reply brief involving the overtime rule. With Alex Acosta now confirmed as secretary of labor, this should be the final due date.

View early entries in the SNPA Photo / Video Contest at this link.

Last chance: All SNPA salary survey questionnaires must be returned to the SNPA office by Friday, May 26. Survey results will be released the first week of June to all participants.

The sale of family-owned newspapers represented the bulk of the deals in the first quarter of 2017, with four of the six announced daily newspaper transactions involving a complete exit from the industry by the owner.

Publishers and human resources directors at daily newspapers can compare salaries paid at their papers – no cost – by participating in the 2017 SNPA Salary Survey. Questionnaires must be returned to the SNPA office by Wednesday, April 19.

Publishers who share data for this important study will receive a benchmarking report the first week of June that looks at salaries and wages of department heads and non-supervisory staff.

Teaching your employees to take initiative in solving problems and seeking opportunities around the workplace is one of the best ways to give them a sense of ownership and commitment. If your workforce wants to do more than just follow your orders, these tips will help.