“Collaboration” has been a buzzword in the business world ever since someone had the bright idea to hook up two computers with a parallel cable. With Internet technology racing forward faster than most companies can chase it, the possibilities of real-time collaboration are incredible. Distances vanquished. Knowledge shared across the enterprise. Transactions processed in the blink of an eye.

Knowing where to best use collaboration is a daunting task. How can you use this powerful technology to the greatest advantage in your company? This month’s feature article explains how other professional services companies have successfully harnessed collaboration technology.

Last month, we asked how you deal with an employee who lacks the “old school” work ethic. Our readers responded with very strong opinions on handling this tricky situation. This month, we ask how you sell a revolutionary new product without revealing its secrets to your competition. We need your best advice on selling without giving away the store.

Please let me know how successful we are at including articles that are relevant to you—and your business. Take our 1-minute reader survey and you could win a pair of 8x22 DigiCam Binoculars.

Since I have only 17 employees, even one who is not productive creates a problem. I hired "Robert" right out of college. It bothers me to see the lack of commitment he seems to have. He is often late, misses days and seems to feel that’s OK. His work gets behind, and it doesn't seem to faze him. Taking "shortcuts" and missing details, which generate extra work on my part, seem to be the norm.

I have trained him and explained his importance to our success. I pay a fair salary and have tried positive motivation. Nothing seems to work. He’s a nice enough guy, and I don't want to give up on him, but his lack of work ethic results in me not being able to focus on building new business. Perhaps I’m dating myself, but it seems to me that he just don’t understand the "old school ethic"—that a successful career doesn’t happen without hard work and dedication. I could replace him, but I already have a big investment in him. I could "crack the whip" and be intimidating, but that’s not my style or wish.

Would you ask your readers how they would instill that "old school ethic" in him?

—Old-school owner, company withheld