Some people just have the natural ability to always make the right decision about people and situations without much hesitation.
They have good judgement, not because they were born with some magical talent, but because they have certain habits that allow them to make better decisions than the rest of us. If you know someone whose levels of discernment are off the charts, it’s probably largely because they do these things.
1. They take time to think before acting.
People with good judgement never rush into decisions because they understand the value of stopping to consider all aspects of a situation. Their reflection time allows them to weigh pros and cons, consider potential outcomes, and make more informed choices. It really is that simple.
2. They want to hear all sides of the story.
Good judgement often comes from considering multiple viewpoints. They ask for opinions from a variety of sources because they recognise that different perspectives can provide some great insights and help them see the bigger picture. Hearing only one side of the story rarely leads to good decision-making.
3. They question their own biases.
They’re well aware that everyone has biases, so they regularly examine their own preconceptions and try to understand how these might influence their decisions. Having so much self-awareness helps them make more objective choices. They can recognise when they’re being unfair or unbalanced, and they course correct.
4. They learn from past experiences.
Good judgement is often built on a foundation of experience. They like to reflect on past decisions, both good and bad, and use these insights to inform the choices they make in the future. They see every experience as an opportunity to refine their judgement, and it actually works.
5. They stay calm under pressure.
When they have a tough decision to make or a stressful situation to confront, people with good judgement maintain their composure. They understand that emotional reactions can cloud judgement, so they strive to stay level-headed and think clearly. Sometimes that’s easier said than done, but they know how important it is if they want to make the best choices.
6. They consider long-term consequences.
Rather than only focusing on immediate outcomes, people with good judgement consider the long-term implications of their decisions. They think several steps ahead, anticipating potential future impacts of their choices. If the price to pay is too high, they know that’s not the right decision for them.
7. They’re not afraid to say “I don’t know”.
They recognise the limits of their knowledge, and they’re comfortable admitting when they don’t have all the answers. Not only that, but they’re willing to ask for more information or do their own research so that they can be more educated on a topic before moving forward.
8. They do more listening than talking.
Good listeners often demonstrate good judgement. By truly hearing what other people have to say, they gather more information and gain deeper insights, which inform their decisions and actions.
9. They’re open to changing their minds.
Despite being confident in their decisions, they always stay open to new information. If they’re presented with compelling evidence, they’re willing to reassess their stance and change course if necessary. They know that we only know something until we don’t, and they’re willing to go where the science leads.
10. They consider ethical implications.
People with sound judgement don’t just consider what’s legal or profitable, but also what’s ethical. They weigh the moral implications of their decisions, and they always strive to make choices that are not just effective, but also right. They’re not comfortable doing things that harm other people, even if it would put themselves ahead.
11. They balance emotion with reason.
While they don’t ignore their feelings, people with good judgement don’t let emotions dominate their decision-making. They strive to find a balance between their emotional responses and logical analysis. They know that one can’t exist without the other, and they’re both important for making good choices.
12. They’re patient with the decision-making process.
Good judgement often requires time, and they understand that rushing to judgement can lead to poor decisions. They’re willing to be patient, taking the time needed to gather information and consider their options thoroughly. If that takes a bit longer, so be it.
13. They ask for feedback on their decisions.
People with good judgement aren’t afraid of critique. They actively ask for feedback on their choices, and they use this input to refine their decision-making process and improve their judgement over time. However, they also take people’s opinions with a grain of salt sometimes and back themselves if they feel strongly about a topic.
14. They trust their instincts, but verify them.
Source: Unsplash While they value their gut feelings, they don’t rely on instinct alone. They use their intuition as a starting point, but then work to verify these feelings with facts and logical analysis. Your inner voice is powerful, but it still needs to be backed up with proof.
15. They consider context carefully.
Source: Unsplash Good judgement involves understanding that what works in one situation may not work in another. They pay close attention to the specific context of each decision, and they adapt their approach accordingly. They know that there’s no one size fits all solution for every problem.
16. They’re willing to make tough calls.
Source: Unsplash They don’t shy away from difficult decisions. They understand that sometimes there’s no perfect choice, but they’re willing to make the best decision possible with the information available.
17. They admit and learn from their mistakes.
Source: Unsplash When their judgement falters, which is bound to happen since they’re only human, they own up to their errors. They see mistakes not as failures, but as valuable learning opportunities to improve their decision-making skills in the future.
18. They prioritise clarity in communication.
Source: Unsplash People with sound judgement recognise the importance of clear communication. They aalwaystry to articulate their thoughts and decisions clearly, ensuring that people understand their reasoning and can provide meaningful input or follow through effectively.
