Here’s Comes Da Judge!
If you are a baby boomer than you probably remember when Sammy Davis, Jr was a guest on Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In. He used to make us laugh with his “Here comes da judge” skits in the late 60’s and early 70’s. If you’re too young to know what I’m referring to or want to take a trip down memory lane, check out a short video HERE.
This expression came to mind recently when I received an email and the “Judge” showed up unexpectedly. I thought to myself, “Really? Why would she do it like that…my idea was much better…” My inner “Judge” had arrived. I was frustrated. I could see the potential for this judgment to create a sense of disengagement if it continued over time. Since I’m always looking at what creates engagement at work, this seemed to be a problem that needed exploring. I know I’m not the only one out there with an active inner “Judge” so here’s what I started wondering.
When does judgment help us and when is it harmful?
Of course, I went to my handy-dandy search engine and typed in that question and I found an informative article in Psychology Today (May 17, 2013) by Greg Henriques, Ph.D. entitled On Making Judgments and Being Judgmental. Dr. Henriques describes very helpful insights and I’m going to put my spin on them here (click on the title of the article to learn more).
1. Judgment is the cause of many workplace disagreements.
The “better method” criticism is a perfect example of destructive judgment. You think your way to accomplish a goal is better, faster, and more efficient, etc. than someone else’s and this creates potential discord and a lack of trust. Ask the Judge: Does it really matter how it gets done? If not, let it go!
2. Judgment usually makes us feel better in the short term.
Who doesn’t want to feel smarter, more prepared, more creative, more (fill in the blank). When we judge others, we expand our view of our own abilities and that makes us feel good. It validates our “betterness”. Unfortunately, it usually makes someone else feel bad. Ask the Judge: Can’t everyone be smart, prepared, creative, etc.? Of course…let it go!
3. Judgment holds us back.
There are times when we miss out on valuable new ideas, work-arounds or processes because we are closed off due to our inherent judgment. How can someone else possibly know more than we do when we’ve been in our job for X years or have X degrees or X past experiences under our belt? Ask the Judge: Wouldn’t you love to learn a shortcut or better process to save you time, energy, money, etc.? Of course…let it go!
So here’s the challenge for today (and the days ahead). Take off the silly white curly wig and black robe. Let the “Judge” take an extended leave. Open your mind. Be willing to look at things with an “evaluative lens” that is discerning, but not judgmental.
“There goes da judge” is much more helpful in today’s work environment. Time to wave good-bye…don’t worry…I promise no one will miss him!
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