Electronic voting software: an underutilized, easy-to-use meeting tool

At an offsite law department retreat, we used electronic voting software throughout the meeting. Some of the benefits of using the voting pads and software include: voting is confidential; it provides instant feedback; it is a fast and efficient means of gathering information; and it allows the user to ask questions and tailor immediate follow-up questions based on the responses. Another important benefit from voting software is that is keeps people actively involved in meetings (See my post of April 18, 2005 for other uses by law departments of voting software.).

Since some companies already own voting software or it can be inexpensively rented, law departments should explore opportunities for its use in a variety of situations, from assessing employee satisfaction to setting strategic goals.