There is a bonus as well, as Gunsalus writes: The approach "also provides a face-saving out if your initial concerns or conclusions were wrong." Sadly, she wasn't wrong about the student.
Most people shy away from a hard conversation, asking that this cup pass from us. But being the chief legal officer means having the courage to take on what others won't. Our worries, though, are like the witches in "Macbeth," spooky but ephemeral. Fears evaporate by taking action.
More from Michael Maslanka:
"Legal Etiquette for Difficult Situations"
"Ten Phrases Lawyers Hear That Portend Disaster"
"When Is Termination the Right Step to Take?"
"Hot Employment Law Issues at the High Court"
"Courts Weigh in on FMLA Limits"
"Beach Blanket Lingo: The 2012 Summer Reading List"
"Asking for a Facebook Password Can Be Risky"
"How to Handle the New ADA Landscape"
"10 Lessons from 30 Years in the Law"
"Lesser-Known Speeches Hold Lessons for GCs"
"The Power of Influence: Insight Into Persuasion Is Key to Helping Others Find Wisdom"
"Identity and Meaning in and Outside Law"
"When Legal Sense Trumps Practical Sense"
"Litigation Lessons from the Battles of History"
"Summertime Beach Reads for In-Housers"
"Reminders About Right and Wrong"
"Train Managers Now in ADA Amendments"
"Ditch New Year's Resolutions and Reprioritize for 2011"
"What to Do and Not Do in Voir Dire and Opening Statements"
"What Cognitive Theory Can Teach Corporate Counsel"
"High Courts to Weigh Noncompete, Retaliation Cases"
"Commentary: Ask and You Shall Receive"
"ADA Amendments Mean Seismic Shift for Employers"
"Lessons of Letterman: The Top Reasons Bosses Should Be Concerned About Workplace Relationships"
"Beware of Employees' Conduct-Based Suits"
"Commentary — The Reptile Brain: Develop a Cognitive Sixth Sense"
"Have You Come a Long Way, Baby?"
Michael P. Maslanka is the managing partner of the Dallas office of Constangy, Brooks & Smith. He is board certified in labor and employment law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. His podcasts and "Work Matters" blog can be found at www.texaslawyer.com. His email address is mmaslanka@constangy.com.
