The Happier Attorney
Core Values
- No > yes
- Simple > complex
- Hard truths > beautiful lies
- Root > leaves
- Lead by example
We promote the best behavior within the company.
Our core values should eliminate any conduct in the company that dilutes the integrity of these values. These values are a filter for decision making. They always give the answer.
No > yes
- We believe in saying "no" to anything or anyone, that isn't a "hell yes." This means: anything that is not in our lane, not meant to move the needle, or people who do not share our values.
- We don't believe in trying to be all things to all people
- We believe in limiting our focus and saying "no" to projects that don't align with our values so that we can really focus on the few that are truly meaningful to us.
Hard truths > beautiful lies
- We believe that everyone deserves the truth, with kindness and not anger, even if that truth is not pleasant.
- We believe in the power of the truth and that the truth benefits all.
- We tell the truth at all times, even when it is uncomfortable, unless it would do more damage than good.
- We expect all who we work with to also tell the truth and we have the courage and maturity to listen even if that truth may hurt.
- We demonstrate courage by asking ourselves, our students, and clients “is this true?” consistently.
Simple > complex
- We believe in simple over complex in everything.
- We believe in doing the hard work to keep things simple.
- We believe people do best with simplicity.
Root > leaves
- We believe there is a reason for each behavior a person does or doesn’t do.
- We believe the true reasons are generally deep below the surface and many times, not obvious or conscious.
- We believe that in many cases the truth is close to pain and the only way to address and heal is to deal with the pain — the root.
- We believe in taking the time and effort to go deep, even when experiencing pain or discomfort, and addressing the root of the issue, not just the short term (leaf) care.
- We believe in nudging, encouraging and inspiring our clients to have the courage to get to the root and heal.
Lead by example
- We believe we can only take our students and clients to places we have been or are willing to go.
- We believe in and live by what we teach.
- We believe in continually growing and diving deeper and deeper into our own personal work so we can take others deeper and deeper into theirs.
- We believe in experimenting to see what works and what doesn’t.
- We believe in sharing our experiences with others.
- We believe in showing, not telling.
- We believe that actions are the only truth.
