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3. Do I want to be “right” or do I want to be correct?
Way back in 1620, Sir Francis Bacon published a very fancy book called The Novam Organum. Although Novam Organum sounds like Princess Leia Organa’s grandfather, it’s actually another name for the Scientific Method. Simply put: first facts, then analysis. This was a revolutionary idea back in the Seventeenth Century and judging by all the ideological zealotry on any given day in Washington D.C., it’s still revolutionary today.
As lawyers we are taught to argue and fight and win. Certainly, being a vigorous advocate is crucial to becoming a successful attorney. However, don’t let the desire for your argument to be “right” trump taking the course of action that is correct for the situation.
Great lawyers are able to see the big picture. Be mindful of the myriad factors impacting your client and the case. Use your Socratic education. Question. Question. Question. What does your client really want? What motivates the opposing side? What economic and political considerations affect your matter? Transcend being “right.” Thoughtfully analyze the situation in its entirety and make the decision that is correct.
And on a personal note, I have found that the same skills of argumentation that make one a big hit at work make one a big miss at home. In personal matters I have taken the late, great Andy Rooney’s words to heart: “Being kind is more important than being right.”
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