The Better Competitor Does Not Always Win.

Posted By Cliff Tuttle | May 11, 2018

No. 1,489

Not to belabor a matter that has been discussed too much lately, but the lesser competitor sometimes wins. Perhaps it will happen rarely in a particular match-up. But happen it will.  In a single contest, the sports team with the worst overall record can defeat the team with the best record  — if only just once.  No one is invincible.

There shouldn’t be any surprises here.  While this does not mean that we should shy away from head to head combat, we must be prepared to accept the possibility (even if very small) that, despite our best effort, we may lose.  If that happens, what is the next step?

It is necessary to understand this eternal fact of life in order to make effective decisions.  Unlike sports, where duel to the finish is always required, in life it is often possible to settle our differences. That alternative should be weighed in the balance of probabilities.  In reality, a settlement can become the better alternative for even the probable winner for reasons that may not be apparent at first.

Yes, be prepared to fight, furiously when you must.  But be smart.

CLT

Welcome

CLIFF TUTTLE has been a Pennsylvania lawyer for over 45 years and (inter alia) is a real estate litigator and legal writer. The posts in this blog are intended to provide general information about legal topics of interest to lawyers and consumers with a Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania focus. However, this information does not constitute legal advice and there is no lawyer-client relationship created when you read this blog. You are encouraged to leave comments but be aware that posted comments can be read by others. If you wish to contact me in privacy, please use the Contact Form located immediately below this message. I will reply promptly and in strict confidence.

Subscribe to our feed