County Civil - July 2022

County Civil - July 2022

COUNTYCIVIL.COM

JULY 2022

BUT HOW THEY SAY IT It’s Not What Others Are Saying

Besides understanding law and its terminology, another skill crucial to my career is listening. With July 18 being World Listening Day, I wanted to share why listening plays a vital role in speaking to my clients and in court. Maybe my experience and strategies can help you! I’ve always had good listening skills, but I also had to develop some techniques to help my clients. I needed to pay attention to what others were saying and how they said it. I had to learn how to notice others’ tone of voice in order to fully understand what was being said. Did they speak in a sentence, a statement, or a question? Did their tone change? Did they take pauses? These context clues allow me to understand what the speaker is trying to convey. But another part of listening has nothing to do with what others are saying; it’s their body language. I always tell people it’s great if you’re a good listener. But what’s most important is what you’re not hearing that you should be hearing. This is when body language comes into play. I will pay attention to visual signals while others are talking. I will notice if an individual crosses their arms against their chest, if they seem more stiff or relaxed, and if any of their facial features change. These cues will tell me more about what they’re saying. Someone could say one thing, but their visual cues may tell me another. These tactics help me both in the courtroom and speaking one-on-one with my clients. When my clients feel as though I am actively listening to them and validating that their voice is heard, they are more likely to feel confident with the service I’m providing. It shows them I take their concerns seriously and want to help them reach an outcome that will satisfy their needs. During trials, paying attention to what is being said, how someone says it, and their body language helps me come up with counterarguments and questions if needed.

One thing I can suggest when listening to others is to ask questions for clarification. You can use this in both your professional and personal lives. I understand it can be intimidating to admit you may not understand something, but you need to ensure all parties are on the same page to communicate effectively. So, don’t be afraid to ask for more details, feedback, or examples. This not only helps you understand the matter at hand but also shows the person you are speaking with that you care about what they have to say.

I always tell people that it’s great if you’re a good listener. But what’s most important is what you’re not hearing that you should be hearing.

Think of this technique as something that would happen in a book club. After you finish reading a book, you and a group of people discuss the topics in the book. You will have a chance to voice your opinion, what you found confusing, and ask questions. These tactics ensure everyone is on the same page — no pun intended. Listening plays a vital role in my career, and I’m thankful I have the opportunity to improve these skills every day. This month, take some time to listen to others. Don’t engage in a conversation just to speak. By listening, you may learn something new or pick up on things you may not have noticed before. Happy World Listening Day, everyone! -Rick E. Risk

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CAN YOU SUE YOUR HOA?

like noise complaints, property maintenance problems, unapproved home renovations, increased HOA fees, or accusations that the HOA is favoring one neighbor over another. Homeowners can sue their HOAs, and HOAs can sue their homeowners. It’s a two-way street. HOA rules can be frustrating — so it’s nice to know a lawyer can step in to help fight a battle. However, it’s important to keep in mind that most HOA disputes can be resolved outside of court. You don’t need to immediately hire a lawyer. First, try phone calls, emails, and meetings to talk out the problem and solve it. If there’s still serious animosity between you, you’re sure you’re in the right, and there’s a significant amount of time, money, or hassle at stake (think taking down 200,000 Christmas lights or removing solar panels you just paid $20,000 to have installed), then it might be time to call a real estate attorney for help. They’ll be able to tell you realistically whether you have a case and what your odds of success might be. THIS COUPLE TRIED AND WON!

In 2018, a couple in the small town of Hayden, Idaho, did something radical: They covered their house in 200,000 Christmas lights. The lights became a town attraction! People drove from across Hayden to see the spectacle. Kids went wild, and everyone loved the show … except for the homeowners association (HOA). In many neighborhoods, homeowners associations control everything from the color houses can be painted to whether or not property owners can install fountains, pergolas, or even Christmas lights. The Idaho family’s HOA was a strict one. It complained about light pollution and traffic from their decorations, and claimed the homeowners were breaking neighborhood rules. Of course, the Christmas-loving couple refused to take down their light display. The dispute went all the way to court — where they won $75,000 and probably brownie points from Santa!

It’s rare for an HOA dispute to turn into litigation, but it does happen. Usually, lawyers get involved only during serious fights over things

Is It the Weekend Yet? 3 Strategies to Stay Motivated Throughout the Week

Do you find yourself counting down the days until Friday? Then Monday comes, and you have to start all over again. Luckily, you can use a few strategies to keep your focus during your busy work week. Create a morning routine. How your day starts is essential for your productivity. If you’re constantly hitting snooze and rolling out of bed minutes before you need to leave, you’re likely to spend the whole day unfocused. A morning routine is a great way to get into the habit of being productive first thing in the morning because it will prepare you to get into work mode. Whatever you decide to do — stick to it! Prioritize your tasks. If you’re putting off your tasks to the last day, your Friday will go by longer than usual. Instead, rank your assignments from most important to least and get your most challenging ones out of the way first. Not only will it relieve some of the pressure you feel during the day and week, but you will also feel more accomplished. If you have a project far too big to complete in one day, section it and complete a piece each day. This will make time-consuming assignments less intimidating.

Your workload can seem overwhelming if you’re looking at what else you have to do — it can be discouraging. Instead of looking at what’s left, celebrate what you’ve completed. Take one assignment at a time and recognize your victories, no matter how big or small they seem. It’s okay to take breaks. You may feel burned out in the middle of the day, at night, or the end of the week. This decreases the amount of motivation you will have. So, take breaks and step away from the office during the week. Take some 10-minute breaks to give your mind a rest. You can go on a walk, check your phone, or talk to your colleagues. When you go home, ensure you are taking time for yourself and relaxing. Remember, you need at least eight hours of sleep each night. Rest is vital for your mental and physical well-being. Although we all wish the weekends came sooner or lasted longer, these strategies will help you take on your work week — and enjoy it! Always remember, as long as you’re doing your best each day, that’s an accomplishment. You’re doing great; keep up the excellent work!

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Part 2! SUMMER SAFETY TIPS

through your phone while on watch duty. Don’t do it! Instead, keep your eyes on the kids. Any second they’re out of your sight could be deadly.

Twisters on the Loose We are now at the peak of tornado season. You must seek shelter immediately if a tornado hits the ground near you. It’s best to go to the basement because it’s on the lowest floor with no windows or doors. But if that isn’t an option for you, a bathroom is the second-best option. Bathrooms have pipes and strong framing inside the walls, which can help hold the area together in case a twister is heading your way. Grilling Time For our grill masters, it’s best to keep your grilling station clean and tidy. Ensure your grill is clean and check for any leaks or cracks. Do not have decorations, towels, or anything flammable near your area — you never know when an accident will happen. Always keep a fire extinguisher around in case a fire breaks out. If you have a pool or sprinkler system, ensure your grill is more than 10 feet away from them. You don’t want anything to contaminate your meals or affect the charcoal or propane you’re using. County Civil wants you to have a safe and enjoyable summer, and these tips will help you stay prepared for anything that comes your way. Happy July, everyone!

Summer is in full swing now! Since most of us will be grilling out with loved ones, relaxing by the pool, and checking the weather for tornadoes and storms, it’s time for part two of our summertime safety tips. Pool Patrol Make sure you’re on watch when your children and grandkids are swimming. Sitting poolside or in a chair is fine if they can swim. If they can’t swim, you should be in the pool with them at all times. Whether you’re lounging on the side or cooling off in the water, never take your eyes off them. You may be tempted to relax inside, read a book, or scroll

AIRPLANE BEACHBALL

HIKING REVOLUTION RUBY SCOOPS SPARKLER TUBING

BONFIRE FESTIVAL FOURTH GRILL

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2383 Tamarack St., Lake Odessa, MI 48849 616-374-7170 | COUNTYCIVIL.COM R isk & A ssociates

Rick Risk is Founder and President of Risk & Associates, a legal support service provider in Michigan, and has assisted hundreds of attorneys, municipalities, courts, Sheriff Offices, businesses, and others with their strategic process needs.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1 2

Listening Plays a Vital Role in My Career

They Sued Their HOA and Won

Celebrate Your Victories — No Matter How Big or Small

3 4

Summer Saftey Tips: Part 2!

What Exactly Is the Rosetta Stone?

Not Just a Language Tool THE HISTORY BEHIND THE REAL ROSETTA STONE

Rosetta Stone is one of the world’s most popular and well-known language-learning softwares, but many users have wondered about where its name came from. The original Rosetta Stone was once the most enigmatic Egyptian artifact that confounded scholars for a number of years. When they finally cracked the code, one of the lost secrets of ancient Egypt was revealed. The Rosetta Stone is a slab of granite that has inscriptions of a decree issued in 196 B.C. by Egypt’s ruler at the time, Ptolemy V, and a group of Egyptian clergy members. The decree was written in hieroglyphics, ancient Greek, and Demotic, which was a script used by the common people. Experts estimate the stone’s creation was over 2,000 years ago.

operating under Napoleon Bonaparte’s orders near the Egyptian town of Rosetta. The British Army would go on to defeat France in Egypt during the French Revolutionary Wars in 1801. Under the terms of the Treaty of Alexandria, the British claimed the

Champollion discovered that hieroglyphics were a combination of phonetic and ideographic signs. Earlier scientists had falsely inferred that hieroglyphics were simply symbolic picture writing and

nothing more. For his discovery, Champollion was named the founding father of Egyptology. If you’re interested in viewing the Rosetta Stone, it is still on display at the British Museum in London where it’s been displayed for 220 years, with the

Rosetta Stone, along with other Egyptian artifacts found by the French. The British relocated the stone to the British Museum in London, where it was stored in a temporary structure until

they could strengthen the floors of the museum to support its incredible weight. Various scientists studied the artifact with no success, and it was ultimately deciphered by French linguist Jean-Francois Champollion.

exception of a temporary relocation during World War I. While the Rosetta Stone has called London home for hundreds of years, there have been recent requests to return it to its homeland in Egypt.

The slab was discovered in July 1799 by a group of French army engineers who were

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