Sound Judgement Is Everything
I always keep up with the latest news from the C-suite, as the vast majority of our clients and candidates are board members or active executives. It was disheartening to hear the recent news surrounding Evolve and Summa Health. Though AI and tariffs have dominated much of the discussion in our circles, we’re also talking about how tried-and-true leadership fundamentals remain irreplaceable especially as technology continues to transform executive search. In fact, core leadership skills have never been more critical.
Given the recent rash of impropriety within the C-suite, we’re reminded how essential it is to align the search for top-tier talent not only with experience, academic acumen, and pedigree, but also with core leadership skills. One such skill we don’t hear enough about is judgment.
Sound judgment is rooted in the ability to make fact-based decisions. It helps leaders avoid groupthink, confirmation bias, and other decision-making pitfalls. A strong indicator of solid judgment is the capacity to assess and analyze situations critically without being unduly influenced by peers or stakeholders.
Good judgment enables true leaders to make decisions that are fair, balanced, and grounded in facts rather than emotion. Conversely, self-serving or ideological decisions are a sure path to failure. Casting assumptions based on a single perspective is also a clear sign of a deficit in sound judgment.
Seeking diversity of thought bringing opposing opinions to the table and weighing proven facts alongside relevant experience is a powerful way to synthesize information and make better decisions. A true leader challenges biases, even when it’s uncomfortable.
News flash: you’re going to be uncomfortable. That’s part of the job. Question everything! Not only is it a sign of intelligence, but it’s also one of the foundations of good judgment.
In an era defined by data and disruption, judgment remains a distinctly human advantage. As leaders, we must not only cultivate it within ourselves but also prioritize it in those we choose to lead alongside us. The next great differentiator in executive leadership won’t be technology it will be the timeless ability to make sound, balanced, and fact-based decisions.
——————————————————————————————————–
