April Blog: Leadership Judgement

Leaders need many qualities, but underlying them all is good judgment. Those with ambition but no judgment run out of money. Those with charisma but no judgment lead their followers in the wrong direction. Those with passion but no judgment hurl themselves down the wrong paths. Those with drive but no judgment get up very early to do the wrong things. Sheer luck and factors beyond your control may determine your eventual success, but good judgment will stack the cards in your favour. 

Judgment—the ability to combine personal qualities with relevant knowledge and experience to form opinions and make decisions—is “the core of exemplary leadership” according to Noel Tichy and Warren Bennis (the authors of Judgment: How Winning Leaders Make Great Calls). It is what enables a sound choice in the absence of clear-cut, relevant data or an obvious path. To some degree we are all capable of forming views and interpreting evidence. What we need, of course, is good judgment.

Sir Andrew Likierman

Source: https://hbr.org/2020/01/the-elements-of-good-judgment

I recommend this article, which I found when I was researching the topic of leadership judgement.

Is judgement the missing ingredient these days for leaders?

I have witnessed a few interesting decisions by new leaders who have risen through middle management ranks into their new positions. Sadly, these new leaders seem more focused on power and authority than anything else. Poor communication, relationship, and interpersonal skills ring loud alarm bells for these leaders. More frightening is the worry these leaders do not reflect on personal and professional improvement and lack a strong mentor.

Coming out of meetings and declaring they were an absolute ‘waste of time’ is frustrating and a red flag for the leader involved. When facts are ignored or ‘fall off the table’, you wonder about the hypocrisy and possible vindictiveness of the leader who wants an issue to just blow away.

You can’t beat experience, especially when it matures your judgmental ability.

Peace, love and happiness.

Ken