What Suits
teaches you

Leverage is the advantage one party has over another in a negotiation. Harvey demonstrates that true leverage isn't just about having information — it's about the other party believing you're willing to walk away. The best negotiators create perceived leverage even when their actual position is weak. This concept, formalized by Roger Fisher in "Getting to Yes," is the foundation of principled negotiation.

In business strategy, misdirection means shifting the competitive playing field to terrain where you have the advantage. Rather than competing head-to-head on unfavorable ground, great strategists reframe the contest entirely. Sun Tzu wrote "All warfare is based on deception" — in business, this translates to controlling the narrative and choosing which battles to fight.

Attorney-client privilege is one of the oldest legal protections — it means your lawyer cannot be compelled to reveal what you told them. It's the bedrock of the legal system because people need to tell their lawyers everything to get a proper defense. Harvey exploiting this concept throughout Suits is legally accurate — even if Mike's credentials aren't.

Stakeholder management is the process of identifying key decision-makers, understanding their interests, and building coalitions before a critical moment arrives. Jessica exemplifies proactive stakeholder engagement — she doesn't wait for a crisis to build relationships. In corporate governance, this is essential for surviving board fights, mergers, and hostile takeovers.