Questioning your inner judge

🤨 The inner judge has a very loud voice - it comes from a place of wanting to lift ourselves by putting others down—a quick way to feel superior in a competitive environment.

Judging closes doors. Listening opens them. Changing this mindset isn’t just about being nicer; it's about being more effective and successful. Here’s how to do it:

1. Recognize When You’re Judging: The first step to change is awareness. Notice when you start to judge others in real time. Are you forming opinions before hearing the whole story? Choose to really listen instead.

2. Ask Questions: When someone is speaking, resist the urge to assume you’ve got the full picture. Ask questions to deepen your understanding. This shows respect for the speaker and ensures you’re considering their ideas fully before responding.

3. Pause Before You Critique: Take a moment to think about what's being said before you react. This brief pause lets you process the intentions behind the words, helping you respond more thoughtfully.

4. Focus on Constructive Contributions: If you find yourself disagreeing, offer your insights as helpful additions rather than contradictions. Use your perspective to build bridges, not start battles.

By adopting these practices, you can quiet your inner judge and create a workplace where creativity and teamwork flourish. The goal isn't to stop judging entirely but to use discernment and analysis to build up rather than break down.

Imagine how all those group meetings would be different if everyone took this approach! 🤯

(Originally published on LinkedIn)