Developing Good Judgment

Employees that make good decisions, and use good judgment are highly valued and sought after. Now is the time for you to start developing the ability to show good judgment.

If you often regret what you say or do, or if you’re already in the habit of making dumb mistakes, start making changes now. Instead of using poor judgment and then telling yourself or others, “I know better”, start applying the following suggestions now.

I Knew Better

When was the last time you made a decision you regretted? Or said or did something that you later regretted or had to apologize for?

What was the situation? Were emotions involved in how you acted or in what you did or said? Write your answer in your journal.

There are very few valid reasons for making stupid decisions or using bad judgment. In the workplace or in life.

Watch the video to find out how you can improve your decision-making and ability to use good judgment.

  • The first step to developing good judgment is to realize that all actions have consequences and ramifications. What you do or say will have an impact. Until you realize that your decisions impact others, you won’t be motivated to develop your ability to use good judgment.

  • Before making any decision, do research on the subject. Good judgment is based on facts and information. Not emotion. The most used excuse for using poor judgment usually starts with “I didn’t know…”. So take in as much information about the subject before making a decision.

  • Others have made both good and bad decisions. Rather than make those bad decisions yourself, as for advice. Learn from what others have done, and how it turned out for them. Be open-minded to advice, especially comments that are not in agreement with what you think. Again, benefit from others’ experiences by asking for and listening to advice.

Steps for Change

Metacognitive Goal

For the next week use the metacognitive goal as explained in the video. Also, see if you have or can apply these methods for change listed above in your decision-making this week. Write down your findings in your journal.

BACK