JW Way Fundamental #25: Candidly discuss, then align

"Healthy, respectful discussion creates better solutions. Discuss concepts without personal attacks. Check your ego and search for the best solution rather than proving you are right. Once a decision is made, be fully aligned and completely supportive of it. "

As the Rolling Stones say, "You can't always get what you want . . . "This concept may be the essence of being in a firm or a relationship of any kind. To be part of the group, one must necessarily cede independence in exchange for the benefits that flow from joint effort and collaboration. In the context of a group of lawyers – particularly a group, such as ours, that includes a variety of strong personalities and experienced professionals – there is a need to balance the desire to get one's own way against the need for unity and common purpose. The principle, which expands on the need to balance professional independence and consistency, incorporates a number of the Fundamentals, including speak constructively, listen fully, demonstrate respect, leave your ego at the door and even don't take yourself too seriously. In practice, it means that, while there is room for debate about a host of issues, at the end of the day, we need to pull together and act as a team, and with a common voice.

And remember: "If you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need." – Rolling Stone.