THE QUESTION: While driving to your law firm one morning to meet with a potential new client, you are cut off by a car being driven at a recklessly high speed. As he passes, you see the driver shaking his head in disgust at you. You are furious, but there is nothing you can do. To your shock, when you arrive at work the rude driver is seated in the reception area. Anna, the receptionist, pleasantly smiles and says, “Good morning Jim. Your first appointment is here!”

 

WHAT’S YOUR ANSWER?

A.  You ignore the fact that this is definitely the guy who cut you off, and meet with him to discuss his case.

 

WHAT’S MY ANSWER?

I picked A. You ignore the fact that this is definitely the guy who cut you off, and meet with him to discuss his case.

 

I would meet with the guy and see if the mornings events organically come up. After all, perhaps he will apologize – we all make mistakes sometimes. If not, I’m not sure how cutting me off relates to a job. I need to evaluate the new prospect without bias if possible. 

 

However, if that sort of behavior is part of his total personality (not just driving…) I would consider if this is somebody I want to do business with. If I am a new lawyer, I probably don’t have the freedom to be picky. But if I am a partner, maybe I’ll decide this isn’t the type of client I want to work with. 

 

Click here to read an evaluation of this Dilemma from Fulvio Di Blasi, a world-renown scholar in the field of applied philosophy and business ethics.  

 

Well, what do you think? Agree? Disagree? Let me know your answer and why in the comments below.

 

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