etting a Second Opinion

ome time ago Baron Von Lodge was the head of a small country near Switzerland known as Lilliland.

At one of their regular afternoon meetings, the Baron, Lady Angela, the Baron’s fiancée, and Professor Hamblin, his chief advisor, were discussing, in general terms, events and decisions that affect one’s life. Certain decisions that everyone made were often regretted and needed to be taken back. This was sometimes impossible.

“It is wiser, when one comes to the crossroads of an important decision, to seek the best advice possible. After the advice is given, there is still more to do. A second opinion is often needed to increase the chances of taking the best course of action and making the wisest selection among alternatives.

“Before the second opinion is requested, it would be wise to make certain that the person has no vested interest in one side over the other side. Will the person giving the second opinion make a profit based on his recommendation? If so, choose someone else for the second opinion.

“Watch out for a hidden agenda. In other words, does the person claim to have no personal interest regardless of his recommended path, or is he just saying that and not admitting to a hidden motive?

“The final decision is always up to the person asking the question, because if they make the wrong decision, they ultimately have no one to blame but themselves.

“If you make a decision but are not completely sure that you have all the facts at hand, you can build in a side door should you have to adjust your decision as more information becomes available to you.

“The people you select for a first or second opinion should not really know each other to have more objectivity toward the solution. The people whom you ask should have a good track record in the field for which you are seeking a solution.

“Finally, the word of trust comes up because you must be able to fully trust the person you are asking to help you make a decision. You would certainly not want this person to bring up some private details about the problem at a later date. Quick decisions are usually not the best decisions in the long run. Think it over very carefully.”

The Professor concluded his remarks on the subject.