🌟 Key Takeaways from Tal Ben-Shahar's Webinar 🌟
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar's insightful webinar on Right vs. Right Decisions. This topic resonated deeply, as navigating choices where multiple good options exist is a common challenge in all aspects of life, professional and personal.
But first, what is a Right vs Right decision?
A "right vs. right" decision refers to a situation where a person faces a choice between two or more options that are all morally or ethically sound.
Unlike "right vs. wrong" decisions, where one option is clearly better than the other, "right vs. right" decisions involve choices that each have their own merits and align with one's values and principles.
These decisions are challenging because they require balancing conflicting positive outcomes and determining which option best aligns with one's long-term goals and core values.
Examples:
Professional vs. Personal Life: Choosing between a career opportunity that requires relocation and staying close to family and friends.
Resource Allocation: Deciding between funding two equally important but different community projects.
Strategic Decisions: Balancing transparency with confidentiality in a business setting.
Dr. Ben-Shahar suggests that to navigate "right vs. right" situations effectively, we must:
Focus on Value Creation: Instead of acting impulsively, consider the long-term value your choice will create. This aligns with your core priorities and strengthens your purpose.
Maintain Awareness: Be observant of your surroundings and don't lose sight of the bigger picture. This mindfulness allows for deliberate decision-making aligned with your values.
🕵️♂️ Abraham Lincoln's Example:
Dr. Ben-Shahar used Abraham Lincoln's approach to slavery as a compelling example. Lincoln, while firmly against slavery, strategically avoided outright denouncement during his presidential campaign to garner support from conservatives who believed in its continuation. Only after winning the election did he push for abolition. This, according to Dr. Ben-Shahar, exemplifies a "right vs. right" decision, where the path forward involves prioritizing a greater good over immediate action.
💡 The Good Samaritan Experiment (1973):
He further emphasized this point with the fascinating "Good Samaritan Experiment" from 1973. Seminary students were unknowingly divided into groups and told they were preparing talks – one on seminary jobs, the other on the Good Samaritan parable (helping those in need). Some in each group were told to hurry, while others had ample time. The twist? An actor posing as a distressed person was planted along their route.
The results were startling. Less than half stopped to help, with time being the deciding factor. A staggering 90% of those rushed past the stranger, including some on their way to a talk about helping others!
This experiment powerfully illustrates how easily good intentions can be derailed by our fast-paced world.
Closing remarks: My Perspective as a lawyer:
Lawyers see "right vs. right" dilemmas as balancing legal strength, ethical codes, and creative solutions to find the best outcome within the legal system for their client.
Remember: Lawyers aren't moral philosophers. Their job is to navigate the legal system using all the tools at their disposal, while adhering to ethical guidelines. In a "right vs. right" situation, they strive to find the solution that best upholds the law, protects their client, and reflects a sense of fairness within the legal framework.
Lawyers are trained problem-solvers. Sometimes the best option isn't a clear winner, but a creative compromise. Negotiation, mediation, or even crafting a mutually beneficial agreement might be the "rightest" way to resolve the situation for everyone involved.
Dr. Ben-Shahar's message is a powerful reminder that navigating "right vs. right" decisions requires careful consideration of our values and the long-term impact of our choices.
By staying present and prioritizing value creation, we can make decisions that truly reflect who we are and the positive impact we want to have on the world and the kind of person we would like to be.
In Good faith,
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