Stay in Your Lane

One of the main reasons I blog is to work through a problem or situation, reflect on an experience, and to have personal accountability when I make a recommendation (which is pretty much every blog post).

One of my personality traits is to make sure everyone is happy.  I am a peacemaker and problem solver no matter where I am.  I don't like people to feel uncomfortable or disregarded.  I don't like to leave a situation in unrest with no plan to fix it.  Trying to make sure everyone is happy comes with the disadvantage of trying to have the answer for everything and be everything to everyone.  

I learned, with practice, how to say "I don't know" and, even more specifically, to say "I don't know everything".  That doesn't stop me from wanting to know everything or following up with "I will find out".  

Here are a few ways I can support someone and stay in my lane.  

After I lend a compassionate ear to a client for an emotional situation, I provide legal counsel and then recommend they seek the advice of a professional, e.g. therapist,  for how to best handle the non-legal issues creating stress.   When I handle cases that involve assets, debts, and taxes, I recommend the client talk with a financial consultant or certified public accountant.  

I wish I could be all things to all people, but it isn't good for them or for me.  When I stay in my lane as a professional, I can provide premiere legal services.  I have a network to refer my clients to other outstanding professional providers.  If I can put them in the right hands, I have to believe I have done everything I can to serve them and increase their chance of success.

Avoid the highway to the danger zone and stay in your lane.