Unveiling the Gift of Uncertainty for Attorneys

In the current era of uncertainty, the struggle with the unknown resonates deeply, touching on various facets of our personal and professional lives.

The perpetual need to be the “knower” or always have the right answers seems to be an all-too-familiar aspect, particularly in the legal profession.

In times of crisis, the compulsion to know everything becomes entangled with fears related to both personal and professional survival. As Brené Brown Education and Research Group states, this constant need to know wreaks havoc on the individual “knower” and those surrounding them. It breeds distrust, prompts poor decisions, and fuels unnecessary conflicts, which can be particularly detrimental in the legal realm.

Contrary to the prevailing mindset, not knowing is a precious gift that attorneys can leverage. It catalyzes curiosity, learning, and innovation, shifting the focus from wanting to “be right” to aspiring to “get it right” within the legal context.

The illusion that being a knower is the sole source of value in legal relationships and work often stems from the belief that a knower can be the savior in difficult legal situations. While this might hold in specific legal scenarios, it’s not a universal truth applicable to every legal professional or circumstance.

Imagine embracing not knowing as a gift tailored explicitly for attorneys. What could this gift look like? Here are some ways attorneys can unwrap the gift of not-knowing:

1. Legal Networking with a Creative Twist:

– Host virtual legal hangouts, breakfast meetings, or work conferences.

– Revive the charm of sending legal updates or insights to clients or legal colleagues.

– Engage in meaningful legal discussions with colleagues over the phone.

2. Legal Time Utilization:

– Pursue legal strategy sessions or case evaluations.

– Connect individually with more team members.

– Spend quality time evaluating precedents or case laws.

– Organize documents or plan for future legal proceedings.

3. Legal Hobby Exploration:

– Rediscover legal niches or explore new legal fields of interest.

– Use the time (during or instead of commuting) to listen to legal webinars or have research read to you with the help of new AI tools.

4. Legal Professional Development:

– Explore executive legal coaching or legal relationship coaching.

– Enroll in online advanced or specialized legal courses or join a legal mastermind group.

– Read insightful legal books on topics of interest.

5. Acts of Legal Kindness:

– Volunteer legal expertise to those in need.

– Assist with legal projects that contribute to community welfare.

– Support legal colleagues facing challenges by offering extra guidance.

– Extend a helping hand in organizing upcoming events.

– Show appreciation to overworked legal professionals with thoughtful gestures.

Taking positive actions helps dispel fears and find peace in not knowing. These ideas serve as a springboard for creativity and reveal the true value of the gift of not knowing.

Adapted from the article “The need to know and the gift of not knowing”, March 29, 2020

https://www.transformativeconversations.com/blog/gift-of-not-knowing/2020-3-29#