I sat on two juries (felony cases) during three weeks of jury duty. I saw nearly thirty witnesses and heard four different attorneys argue their cases. In between attorneys and witnesses there was plenty of time to think over what I had seen and heard. After I reviewed the evidence, testimonies, and arguments and then deliberated with my fellow jury members I reflected on my knowledge of business communications and found a direct parallel.
Here are 15 Things About Business I Learned While On Jury Duty:
1. Don’t believe everything you see.
2. Don’t believe everything you hear.
3. You don’t always have the facts you need, but you need to make a decision based on what evidence you have on hand.
4. There are more than two sides to each story.
5. Unanimous decisions are made up of compromises and hard won small victories.
6. Expressions can both reveal as well as mask the truth.
7. At the heart of each side is communications.
8. Choices never come easy.
9. The right questions don’t always get asked.
10. Doubt always remains.
11. Sometimes you have to settle for what you hope is right.
12. Share your viewpoint along with your reasoning to back it up.
13. Keep personal comments out of the discussion.
14. Take notes and then read and re-read them.
15. Satisfaction comes from a verdict or choice you believe is right and then having your judgment confirmed as valid and correct.
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15 Things About Business I learned While On Jury Duty Small Business Article by Don Doman.