A discussion about business ethics, character traits, integrity, and values

A friend told me a joke today that her attorney father used to tell her.

A good lawyer and a bad lawyer were taking a country stroll. “Oh look,” said the bad lawyer, “there is a spotted cow.” “Yes,” said the good lawyer, “at least it is spotted on this half.”

I didn’t point out to my new friend that there is no such thing as a good lawyer, because I want to keep her as a friend, but the point is made. To succeed at what you’re doing, you have to see more than your own side of it. Your point of view is valid, it is valuable, even vital, but it is only part of the deal. You have to recognize what others see, because they see what they want to see, and if you want to succeed, you have to help them get what they want.

Sometimes to see what others see, you have to stand where they are. It takes empathy and compassion, and it takes humility. As good as you are, you can always use some humility.