Here Comes the Judge! « Wayne Hastings

My last post was first in a series of some bad attitudes (pride) that leaders need to let go of if they want to be effective and build solid teams that not only get things accomplished, but work well together.

The second bad attitude leaders must rid themselves of is a judgmental attitude toward others. Scripture reminds us to “Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. For others will treat you as you treat them. Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged.” (Matthew 7:1–2, New Living Translation)

Jesus’ statement is against the kind of hypocritical, judgmental attitude that tears others down in order to build oneself up. It is not a blanket statement against all critical thinking, but a call to be discerning rather than negative.

Judgmental leaders are negative and critical. Inside they may be angry or suffering from insecurity and low self-esteem. Th result of this kind of attitude is a group of employees and team members who are afraid to act. Afraid to create. Afraid to fail.

The judgmental leaders needs to learn to become a developer and a builder of people. To fulfill this role, the leader needs to behave non-judgmentally. In order to do that, he or she must respect, understand, accept, believe, and hope in subordinates and all team members.

I was recently in a fabulous brainstorming meeting. The leader was open, non-critical and kept urging us to create, build and develop. He didn’t judge anyone’s idea either offhandedly or out of ear shot. He was fair and simply kept the discussion rolling and the result was far better than if he’d been critical or didn’t deeply believe that each person brought value and worth to the team.

Can you see the difference? An open and vulnerable leader who is intent on building his or her people will, by far, lead a more successful and creative team.