How often have you heard someone proclaim, “Don’t judge me!” It is a phrase that is frequently used, especially when someone is feeling guilty about their behavior and decisions.
This week’s topic from the Marine Corps leadership traits is judgement, “The ability to weigh facts and possible courses of action in order to make sound decisions.”1
The smokescreen
I find it amazing that people who do not believe the Bible or they love to condemn the Bible, are quick to use it as a smokescreen when they say, “The Bible says not to judge.” They are partially right, but they are failing to read and acknowledge the entire portion from Matthew 7:1-5. The passage addresses judging others, and it spells out the qualifications before judging someone else. Namely, do not be a hypocrite, but remove the speck from your own eye first.
Judgment is a universal practice.
As human beings, we constantly ask questions such as:
- What motives are behind political statements?
- Are the intentions of the organization’s leadership self-serving?
- What does that text message really mean?
Yes, these are questions, but they ultimately involve judgment.
Weigh the facts.
Go back and read the definition of judgement and look at the words “weigh the facts.” Admittedly, separating fact from fiction is extremely hard to do these days with the proliferation of mass media, social media pundits, and artificial intelligence.
However, let’s step back from that mess and bring the discussion down to the organizational level. Weighing the facts is hard to do if we are emotionally fired up. So, take a deep breath, look at the situation from an objective standpoint, and determine to the best of your ability what is taking place. This is especially important when dealing with personnel issues.
Making sound decisions.
I’m not referring to the rapid, tactical decision-making that must take place at the scene of an emergency. I’m addressing the judgment calls that take place in the non-emergency setting.
As a person moves farther up the chain of command, their level of responsibility increases. Consequently, an absence of sound decision-making can have a profound effect on people and the organization. Therefore, it is imperative for you to hone the skill of good judgment.
Honing that skill is accomplished by having a good coach and mentor, reading, training, and experience. With experience, consider the words on a magnet next to my desk that reads, “Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.”
