Thinking Beats Judging: Powerful Lessons in Leadership

Thinking beats judging ALWAYS. However...

"Thinking is difficult; that's why most people judge."
Carl Jung

You're not alone if you've ever made a snap decision in a boardroom or formed a quick opinion about a colleague's performance. When it's come to executive leadership, time is precious, and demands are relentless. It's far easier - almost instinctive - to judge rather than pause and think deeply. Yet, in my years coaching leaders across sectors, I've seen how the real difference-makers resist the easy route of judgment and instead embrace the challenge of critical thinking.

Imagine this: you're in a strategy meeting, and a team member pitches an idea that, at first glance, seems off-track. Your first instinct might be to dismiss it outright - "We've tried that before" or "That won't work for us." These snap judgments are human. Our brains are wired to conserve energy by making quick calls, especially under pressure.

But here's the catch: your influence is far-reaching as an executive. The judgments you make - fair or not - can shape culture, impact careers, and determine the fate of projects. When you default to quick assessments, you risk missing out on innovation, misreading talent, and perpetuating bias.

Why is thinking so difficult, especially at the top?

Because it demands more than just intellect - it calls for humility, curiosity, and courage. Critical thinking in leadership means:

Let's humanise this further. Remember when you felt misunderstood by a boss or peer - when someone judged you without knowing the whole story. How did it feel? Frustrating, perhaps even demoralising. Now consider: have you ever done the same to someone else, perhaps unintentionally?

Judging is easy. It requires little effort and even less empathy. On the other hand, understanding means slowing down, listening, and reflecting. It asks us to perceive the person behind the performance and the context behind the behaviour.

In my coaching work with executives and high-performing teams, I often see the ripple effect of judgment. A leader makes a quick call about someone's potential, and that label sticks - sometimes for years. Conversely, when leaders take the time to think deeply and understand, they unlock hidden strengths, foster loyalty, and drive growth.

So, how does thinking beat judging? How do you cultivate critical thinking and avoid the pitfalls of snap judgments? Here are some strategies I share with my clients:

Notice when you're most likely to judge - perhaps when you're tired, under pressure, or dealing with someone who challenges your style. Awareness is the first step toward change.

Instead of "Why did they do that?" try "What might be going on for them?" or "What don't I know about this situation?" This shift opens the door to understanding.

Build moments of pause into your day - whether it's a walk between meetings or five minutes to jot down thoughts before making a decision. Leaders who reflect make better, more balanced choices.

Surround yourself with people who see the world differently. Encourage dissent and debate. It's uncomfortable, but it's also where the best ideas emerge.

Admit when you don't have all the answers. Share your learning moments and mistakes. This humanises you as a leader and creates a culture where others feel safe to think - and speak - freely.

At the core of critical thinking is self-awareness. Great leaders know their own biases, blind spots, and patterns. They're willing to examine what they think and how they think.

Growth through self-awareness isn't a one-time event - it's a lifelong practice. It means seeking feedback, being open to coaching, and staying curious about your development. As an executive, your willingness to grow sets the tone for your entire organisation.

Of course, judgment has its place in leadership. Executives are paid to make decisions, often with incomplete information. But there's a difference between thoughtful judgment - grounded in critical thinking and self-awareness - and knee-jerk reactions.

The best leaders I've worked with know when to act decisively - and when to pause, think, and seek understanding first.

As someone who has coached leaders from the boardroom to the sports field, I've seen the transformative power of thinking deeply. I've also experienced the cost of judgment - both as the judge and the judged. My journey, from rugby pitches to executive coaching, has taught me that respect, integrity, honesty, and learning are not just values - they're daily practices.

When we choose to think rather than judge, we honour those values. We lead with empathy. We create space for others to thrive.

"Thinking is difficult; that's why most people judge." This isn't just a wise quote for executives - it's a challenge and an invitation. The world needs leaders willing to do the hard work of thinking, resist the lure of easy judgment, and lead with curiosity and humility.

Your decisions and how you make them will shape your leadership legacy. Will you settle for snap judgments, or will you embrace the effort - and the reward - of critical thinking?

Remember, thinking beats judging ALWAYS.

I invite you to connect if you're ready to take your leadership to the next level, grow through self-awareness, and lead with impact. Let's explore how performance coaching can help you and your team move beyond judgment and into a space of understanding, growth, and lasting success.

Can you think instead of judging? Yes, I'm sure you can.

To your success...

Your opportunity to chat…
I’m passionate about inspiring people to tap into their unique talents and strengths – to be the best they can be – to fulfill the potential they always knew they had. It’s not about ‘fixing’ you. Instead, it’s about helping you access the best part of yourself so you can make the changes, release the dragons and powerfully step into your brilliance.

If you are interested in performance coaching, try my free 20-minute introductory session. Just contact me, and I’ll arrange a time and date to chat by phone or face-to-face.

You can also visit my website here.

Two other blogs that are linked to this article are The Power of Supercommunicators and The Pain of Staying the Same Verus The Pain of Change.

To read more about Carl Jung click here.

Get in touch TODAY by email or call my office at +44 (0)20 8798 3433.

Mark Russell Inspired Performance Coaching – Dedicated to Your Success.