Check out our February newsletter!
Justice MONTHLY
229-888-0888 • www.puttingpeoplefirst.law
FEBRUARY 2024
How Personal Development Shapes Effective Leadership Lead Your Team With Purpose
Being a leader isn’t easy, and I’m sure any business owner would agree. While running a business in itself brings endless challenges, leading a team of employees can be what makes or breaks a company. National Leadership Day is Feb. 20, and being a dependable leader for my team is something I continue to strive toward every day. I’m certainly not a perfect leader, but I know what it takes to be one my employees can rely on. While you don’t need to be an extroverted, charismatic person to lead a team, you need to have a few specific traits to be a leader. Selflessness and empathy are certainly requirements to put your team first and allow them to thrive in their own careers and lives. Meanwhile, a good leader is also disciplined and dependable to ensure they never let their team down. You need to be someone they can count on, which requires consistency. I need to be there for my team whenever they need me. Above all else, I know if I don’t lead by example, then how will they work in the way I ask them to? As a leader, the phrase, “Do as I say, not as I do,” does not work at all! If I expect everyone to be at the firm at 8 a.m., then I need to be there at 8 a.m., too. It’s honestly inconsiderate otherwise. A good leader will work just as hard as everyone else and would never ask their team to do something
a leader themselves wouldn’t do. That’s a quality I make mandatory for myself, no matter what.
I can thank my dad for showing me what being a real leader means. He’s my biggest role model in every aspect of life. He had an unbreakable sense of fairness and justice that seemed to draw others to him and make him successful. This quality brought him both clients and friends. I’ve followed his sense of justice my whole life, and I think it’s brought me to where I am today. Aside from my father, I also emulate the characteristics of not only successful attorneys but successful people in general. Instead of real-life mentors, which I admittedly don’t have enough of, I follow authors and podcasters like Robert Kiyosaki, who wrote “Rich Dad, Poor Dad,” or Napoleon Hill, who wrote “Think and Grow Rich.” My dad also would follow bold and successful attorneys like Tommy Malone. Instead of following them for their monetary riches, I want to better understand their templates for life in general. One book that really changed my outlook when it comes to leading my firm is “The 12 Week Year.” Imagine how much you can achieve if you condensed your annual
goals into a 90-day time frame. This book is why I now hold 90-day meetings where we set goals and aim to accomplish them before the next meeting. To boost my team’s motivation, we even have
weekly team huddles to discuss any concerns, room for improvement, and our 90-day goals.
I won’t sit here and tell you I’m a perfect leader because that’s not true. Slip-ups here and there will always happen, but the key
is to learn from them. I’ll keep sticking my nose in these books on the weekends or listening to these podcasts on my morning commutes. Ultimately, it’s about being better for my team, my clients, my family, and myself. -William F. “Trey” Underwood, III
Published by Newsletter Pro . www.NewsletterPro.com
www.puttingpeoplefirst.law | 1
Hidden Eyes PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY IN HOTEL ROOMS
Detecting Deceptive Mirrors So, how can you ensure your room really is private? The most well- known method is the fingernail test. Simply place your fingernail against the mirror. If there’s a gap between your nail and its reflection, it’s a regular mirror. However, if your nail directly touches its reflection, be wary — it could be a two-way mirror. But the fingernail test isn’t foolproof. Other signs to look out for include: • Unusual mirror placement, especially if facing the bed or shower • Mirrors that seem unusually thick or have a wall behind them • Any wires or unfamiliar gadgets attached to the mirror Preventive Measures To further ensure your privacy, familiarize yourself with the layout of your hotel room upon arrival. Inspect every mirror, especially in private areas like bathrooms and changing spaces. Be cautious of mirrors in unexpected or odd locations, too. The presence of two-way mirrors in hotel rooms is a rare but genuine concern, but if you suspect a two-way mirror in your room, report it immediately to hotel management. It’s essential to handle the situation with discretion and demand privacy or a room change. In some cases, involving local law enforcement may be necessary, especially if your privacy has been blatantly violated. Remember, in a place where you should feel secure and comfortable, your privacy is not just a luxury — it’s your right.
Imagine checking into a luxurious hotel room, expecting a private sanctuary, only to discover your privacy might be compromised. This unsettling scenario is not just a plot in spy movies; it’s a privacy concern travelers face today. Two-way mirrors, occasionally found in hotel rooms, particularly in bathrooms, can turn private moments into public spectacles. The Risk of 2-Way Mirrors Two-way mirrors are reflective on one side and transparent on the other. They are often used for security or observation purposes. While they are more commonly found in police interrogation rooms, their presence in hotel rooms raises alarming privacy issues. Being watched or recorded without knowledge or consent is a nightmare scenario for any guest.
Justice Without the Financial Strain The Benefits of No-Win, No-Fee Attorneys in Personal Injury Cases
People often say they can’t afford an attorney for their claim. That’s why we are no-win, no-fee personal injury attorneys, also known as contingency fee attorneys. This type of legal work plays a crucial role in providing justice for those who have suffered injuries due to the negligence of others. This arrangement allows people to pursue compensation without the financial burden of upfront legal fees. At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, we firmly believe everyone deserves a chance at justice, not just those who can afford it. So, how does no-win, no-fee legal work help you? Financial Accessibility One of the main benefits of no-win, no- fee attorneys is that we can eliminate the financial barrier to legal representation that often holds countless clients back. Victims of personal injuries may be facing medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and other financial
challenges. A contingency fee arrangement allows them to access legal expertise without having to pay attorney fees unless they win the case. Risk Mitigation For individuals dealing with the aftermath of an injury, the prospect of engaging in a legal battle can be daunting. No-win, no- fee attorneys absorb the financial risk of pursuing a personal injury claim. The client is not responsible for paying attorney fees if the case is unsuccessful. This agreement encourages attorneys to carefully assess the merits of a case before taking it on, ensuring they choose cases with a reasonable chance of success.
witnesses, gathering evidence, and preparing a compelling legal strategy. Clients can focus on their recovery while their attorney handles the legal aspects of the case. Motivation for Success The no-win, no-fee structure aligns the interests of the client and the attorney. Attorneys are motivated to secure the maximum compensation possible for their clients since their fees are contingent on a successful outcome. This ensures attorneys are dedicated to building a robust case and pursuing the best possible result for their clients. No-win, no-fee personal injury attorneys offer a lifeline to individuals seeking justice and compensation after suffering injuries. We outline our fee structure clearly before representation officially begins. That way, there are no surprises and no misunderstandings. If you need our help, we’re only one phone call away at 229-888-0888.
Resource Allocation A personal injury claim often requires
significant resources, including time, money, and legal expertise. No-win, no-fee attorneys invest their resources in building a strong case for their clients. This may involve hiring expert
2 | 229-888-0888
Revive Your Resolutions!
How to Bounce Back and Excel in February
Celebrate small wins. Acknowledge and celebrate small victories along the way. Recognizing your progress, no matter how minor, boosts motivation and reinforces your new positive behaviors. It’s also important to learn from setbacks.
February is the month when many New Year’s resolutions start to lose their initial momentum. It happens to everyone! The excitement of a fresh start in January might have faded, and you may find yourself slipping back into old habits. The good news is that it’s never too late to restart and realign with your goals. Here are five practical tips to rejuvenate your New Year’s resolutions in February. Reflect on your goals. Take a moment to reflect on your initial resolutions. What motivated you to set them in the first place? Understanding the underlying reasons behind your goals can reignite your passion for achieving them. If your initial resolutions were overly ambitious, consider adjusting them to more achievable targets. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. This can make the process less overwhelming and help you stay on track. Create a plan with a partner. Develop a clear plan outlining the steps you need to take to reach your goals. Set specific, measurable, and time-bound objectives. Having a road map will provide guidance and make the journey more structured. It also helps to share your goals with a friend, family member, or colleague who can support and hold you accountable. Sharing successes and challenges with someone can make the journey more enjoyable and encourage you to keep going!
We Value You! At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., the trust we build with our clients is our most valuable asset. To show our appreciation, we would like to thank our clients who have referred others to us since our December newsletter: Be kind to yourself. Finally, be compassionate toward yourself. Recognize that everyone faces challenges, and setbacks do not define your journey. Embrace the opportunity to restart with newfound determination and a commitment to your well-being. Remember, the path to achieving your resolutions is not always linear. Embrace the process, stay adaptable, and celebrate the continuous effort you put into becoming the best version of yourself. Understand that challenges are a natural part of the journey, and they provide opportunities for growth. Adopting a positive mindset can help you overcome obstacles more effectively. Incorporate variety. If your resolutions involve lifestyle changes, introduce variety to keep things interesting. Monotony can lead to boredom and decreased motivation. The same workout routine for weeks on end will definitely get old fast! Explore new activities, workouts, or approaches that align with your goals.
CHEESY CHICKEN CHOWDER
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Ingredients • 3 cups chicken broth • 2 cups peeled and diced potatoes • 1 cup diced carrots • 1 cup diced celery • 1/2 cup diced onion • 1 1/2 tsp salt
Dorris Sears Brittany Collier
• 1/4 tsp pepper • 1/4 cup butter, cubed • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour • 2 cups whole milk
Your recommendations are treasured by everyone at our office. Clients can also leave their comments about our services through Google Reviews! These statements give us critical feedback and help other clients who are facing stressful life situations so they can find dependable lawyers. Previous and current clients can also receive free notary services at our office. Learn more about this service by giving us a call at 229-888-0888.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese • 2 cups cooked and diced chicken
Directions 1. In a 4-quart saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Reduce heat and add potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes or until vegetables are tender. 2. In another medium saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour until smooth. Slowly stir in milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat, then add cheese, stirring until melted. Add the cheesy mixture and chicken to the broth and heat it thoroughly!
Thank you for trusting us to serve you!
www.puttingpeoplefirst.law | 3
229-888-0888 www.puttingpeoplefirst.law
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1918 DAWSON RD. ALBANY, GA 31707
Traits Every Business Owner Should Embrace PAGE 1 The 2-Way Mirror Test How Our No-Win, No-Fee Agreement Makes Justice Accessible PAGE 2 How to Restart Your Resolutions This February Cheesy Chicken Chowder PAGE 3 The Dancing Plague of 1518 PAGE 4
WHEN FRENCH RESIDENTS HAD THE UNCONTROLLABLE URGE TO DANCE Dance Until You Drop — Literally!
In July 1518, a strange mania seized the residents of the French city of Strasbourg (which was then part of the Holy Roman Empire). Hundreds were struck with the sudden and uncontrollable urge to dance — seemingly for no reason. These citizens would dance for days until collapsing from exhaustion, unconsciousness, or in some cases, death! This plague kicked off when Frau Troffea made her way into the streets and began to twist, twirl, and shake. She seemed unable to stop and kept dancing until she dropped from exhaustion. Many would assume that after collapsing, she would’ve stopped, but once she rested, she resumed the compulsive, frenzied dancing. It continued for a week, and other residents eventually joined her. Civic and religious leaders theorized that more dancing was the solution. So, they constructed a stage and gathered musicians to accompany the dancing and professional dancers to help the residents continue dancing. Yet, this only exacerbated the contagion, and by August, the dancing plague had claimed at least 400 victims. The local physicians declared the dance a natural disease from overheated blood. So, the only cure was for residents to dance themselves free of it. But it wasn’t long until the dancing plague took its toll. Many dancers would collapse from exhaustion or
unconsciousness, and some even died from heart attacks and strokes. The strange dance mania didn’t end until September, when the dancers were whisked away to pray for absolution. Many explanations for the dancing plague were blamed on demonic possession or curses, but investigators in the 20th century believed otherwise. They suggested that the affected residents may have consumed bread made from rye flour contaminated with the fungal disease ergot, which produces spasms and hallucinations. But, the most widely accepted theory is that the dancing plague was a mass psychogenic disorder. These outbreaks can occur under certain circumstances of extreme stress and generally take shape based on local fears. A series of famines and diseases like smallpox and syphilis tore through Strasbourg, which may have triggered the stress-induced hysteria.
It is not unreasonable to imagine how the constant fear of death could form panic that led to a mass psychogenic event. But, whatever the cause of this strange phenomenon, the dancing plague remains one of the world’s most interesting mysteries.
Published by Newsletter Pro . www.NewsletterPro.com
4 | 229-888-0888
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator