I have a terrific work commute. Most people can't say that, especially in the New York metro area, where a lot of my colleagues battle with suburban train delays and subway reroutings. But I get to take a ferry, which gives me nice views of the harbor, as well as companions who've all got interesting jobs and like to share.

One of them works for a big ad agency. He's been at it for years, and this has given him a nicely corrosive attitude about what he does. “Scare them, and offer a solution,” is the basic formula for every ad you see on TV, according to him.

I can scare you a little. Take a look at the “Innovation” column by Connie Brenton and Casey Flaherty. They're saying that you—and you know who you are—aren't innovating enough. And it's not as though you lacked for motivation. It's been seven years since the Lehman Brothers meltdown. As the economy sunk, in-house lawyers spoke brave words. We've got the bargaining power now.