I hope all enjoyed a reflective Memorial Day. There is much lawyers can learn from the military experience. I am reminded of this daily because 11 percent of our student body are veterans. Here are several portable ideas that cut across several areas: communication; planning; leadership. And, as a nod to the times, ethical decision making.
Idea No. 1: Put muscle into ethics. So much of “ethical” decision making in civilian life is composed of hot air: Can you look at yourself in the mirror? What would mom do? Can you act as if no one is watching? Useless. By contrast, the military provides principled analysis. At West Point, cadets are taught to ask three questions about a proposed course of conduct: (1) Does this action attempt to deceive anyone or allow anyone to be deceived?; (2) Does this action gain or allow the gain of privilege or advantage to which I or someone else would not otherwise be entitled?; and (3) Would I be satisfied by the outcome if I were on the receiving end of this action? One word: actionable.
