Leadership Trait of the Day - JUDGMENT

Judgment.  Now, there is a word that is rife with implications.  Judgment has many definitions, so we need to clarify which definition relates to Leadership. 

The Marine Corps defines Judgment as “The ability to weigh facts and possible courses of action in order to make sound decisions.”  Put another way, the Leadership trait of “Judgment” is the ability to make good decisions. 

Before delving into this discussion, let’s recall how we first defined the Leadership Traits.  These traits are actions and thoughts that help a leader earn the respect, confidence and cooperation of his subordinates.  Remember that whenever you examine one of these traits, they are internal actions and thoughts exercised by good leaders.

Now, with that in mind, let’s look at Judgment.  In one regard, this is simple and straightforward – if you make bad operational decisions, no one will follow you.  This is doubly true in the Marine Corps where bad decisions can often equal death.  However, while operational know-how is an important part of being a leader, that is not the focus of this Leadership Trait.  Simply put, you can be brilliant in operational decision making and still be a terrible leader – just look at General Douglas McArthur, a vainglorious megalomaniac, despised by most people who interacted with him, but the driving force behind the Inchon Landing – arguably the most tactically brilliant large scale military operation of the 20^th Century.

So, if the Leadership Trait Judgment does not mean excellence in operational ability, what does it mean? 

Simple – it means making good decisions when it comes to setting the example and taking care of your people. 

Click through for some specific examples. 

The best way to discuss how Judgment works as a Leadership trait is to use some specific examples. 

If you are a junior person on your team, you show good judgment by being responsible, showing up for work on time, finishing you assignments when they are due, and being present and accountable.  There are a myriad of bad decisions you can make everyday, by avoiding them, you show sound Judgment.  Remember leadership traits are internal, individual actions.  It is never too early to start incorporating these actions into your life. 

If you are a senior person responsible for others, you demonstrate Judgment by how you take care of your people.  If an employee asks for a raise or extra time off, a good leader will balance the needs of the organization with the employee’s desires, consider the impact on the organization and make a decision.  You should not always give the employee what he asks for, but you should not always say no either.  Judgment is the leader’s ability to make the right decision.  A good leader does not have to be perfect; we all make mistakes.  However, you have to be right more often than not, and, even more importantly, your people have to see you weighing the factors and making an informed decision – in other words, exercising Judgment.