Mistakes Seen in Judgment

Like anybody else, leaders make mistakes. In fact, leaders are sometimes more prone to making Judgment mistakes, due to their leadership position. Humility, therefore, is crucial to making good
Judgments. A leader who feels invincible will eventually make a very bad Judgment. A leader who is humble is able to carefully consider what is at stake and make a Judgment accordingly.

Many mistakes fall under the following five common themes. By being aware of the pitfalls of bad Judgment, a leader can do their best to avoid these pitfalls.

Mistake In Judgment BEING DETERMINED TO MAKE THE JUDGMENT ALONE.

Good Judgment Great leaders listen to others with more experience and expertise. Do not face a difficult Judgment call alone, if possible. Talk with those that you trust, such as mentors, experts, and other leaders.

Mistake In Judgment BEING SWAYED BY THE OPINION OF THE GROUP

Good Judgment On the other hand, groupthink can be just as dangerous as making a decision alone, as history has shown repeatedly. Don’t be swayed by a group, any group, that wants you to make a rash Judgment action. Take the most amount of time that is practical to consider the action carefully. Don’t let a false sense of urgency sway your Judgment.

Mistake In Judgment THE END JUSTIFIES THE MEANS

Good Judgment This belief has been the justification for some of the worst Judgment mistakes in human history. In almost every difficult Judgment, the means matters. You will be able to tell if “the end justifies the means” thinking does not feel right. You will probably feel uncomfortable, isolated, and uneasy. These are all important warning signs.

Mistake In Judgment BIASES

Good Judgment Our biases act as filters for us to accept some information and filter out other information. The problem is, some of the information we accept may not be true, and some of the information we reject may be true. When in doubt about bias influencing a Judgment, talk with others you trust. This will help you see biases involved and their effect on the Judgment.

Mistake In Judgment IMPAIRMENT

Good Judgment People make impaired Judgments all the time, and rarely with a positive result. The impairment can be from many sources (alcohol, drugs, being tired, having your attention diverted, being so emotionally invested in a situation that you cannot make a Judgment about it with clarity, etc.). Impairments in Judgment can happen, but the good news is most can be avoided with simple situational awareness. Do not make a Judgment call when impaired in any way.

The best way to avoid mistakes in Judgment is to speak to mentors, advisors, and experts. Keep a clear head and give the decision the attention it deserves, without distractions. Take as much as is available to make your considerations. Do not make decisions that make you feel uneasy or may be swayed by a group. Ultimately, your ownership of your Judgment call is what will matter the most.