Ask a senior leader what makes them so good, or why they receive a premium level of pay and they will likely give a slightly veiled comment regarding their superior ability to create a vision or lead the masses to world-class performance. Most leaders do not have an appreciation for why they are on the payroll.
In the macro scope of an organization, leaders are hired for their judgment. The ability to judge internal and external organizational forces, and apply knowledge and wisdom within those situational forces, is the commodity that organizations employ. Yet, leaders discount the importance of their judgment by taking personal risks that could damage their perceived ability to judge appropriateness, people and moral questions.
The stakes of leadership are high. The leader that recognizes and protects their judgment commodity will view their reputation as something that is always visible, continually under scrutiny and the essence of their leadership. Poor judgment regarding any matter threatens the overall effectiveness of the leader. Guard your judgment.
3 Comments on this post
Leave a CommentMagnificent! (As usual.
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Comment left on 11.29.2011 by Financial advisor
What sorts of checks and balances do effective and experienced leaders keep in place to make sure they guard their judgement?
Comment left on 12.24.2011 by Richard Lazarou
Thanks for the question Richard. Most matters of poor judgment are made in haste. Most people stop and think about their selection at a vending machine (look at candy bar, look at number, punch in number, double check number) more than the do about more important decisions. It is important to think through decision before making. Second, I think most judgments that involve poor moral decisions involve emotional connections prior to making the decision. Be on guard about decisions that are based on emotion without the proper time to think about the logical implications. Hope that helps! Rod
Comment left on 12.24.2011 by admin
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