Such a powerful question for leaders and planners: “Would I want this outcome even if I didn’t know my role within it?”
It’s a bit abstract, but think of it more concretely as “Would I design this process or organization this way if I didn’t know what my role would be?” The question surfaces issues of fairness, decency, and justice.
Or in communications, “Would I believe this message even if I had different beliefs or reference points?” The question surfaces issues of integrity and trust.
(With thanks to Corporate Rebels for reminding me of the power of the “veil of ignorance,” a classic thought experiment formulated by political theorist John Rawls but with many roots from Kant to the “Golden Rule.”)