The Value of Context. The Irony of Excusing Our Faults While Being Quick to Judge Others. Empathy in Leadership from Everyday Lessons.

I recently received a call from someone who wanted to share some rumors with me. Their intention wasn't to stir up trouble but to clarify things and validate the positive of what they believed to be true, given the confusion some of these rumors were causing. Their approach seemed genuinely helpful rather than judgmental, aiming to avoid unnecessary drama and foster self-awareness on my part. Could I have lived without hearing the rumors? Sure. Was I defensive, not at all. Did I take any action based on them? Not really. However, having that context might help if I notice any changes in behavior among people I know and was an opportunity to set things straight with the caller. I ultimately valued more self-awareness and the value of the relationship from the caller.

This situation made me reflect on how quickly we can jump to conclusions with just a sliver of information. We often judge others based on incomplete details, but we tend to overlook our own shortcomings—hello excuses! It’s like we’re wired to spot patterns and make sense of things, but sometimes that leads us to see only what we want to see.

My dad’s approach comes to mind in this type of situation of encountering surprising or confusing scenarios. He would shrug and say, “I don’t know.” His attitude was about avoiding snap judgments and not rushing to conclusions about people or situations, knowing things have a way of sorting themselves out.

In business, this perspective is highly relevant. We can frequently form opinions based on incomplete information, leading to unfair judgments and missed opportunities for growth. This is a chance to reflect on whether we’re being too hasty and to consider how we can approach situations with more understanding. Is our pattern-seeking serving us, others, or getting in the way?

As a reminder, next time you’re about to judge someone or a situation, ask yourself if you really have the full story—and whether you need it! Also, when sharing information, you aren’t fully aware of all the information, consider if it’s to learn more, be helpful, or if it’s adding fuel to a possible misjudgment.

It’s an opportunity to learn what stands in your way of approaching situations with an open mind and a focus on how you can help, rather than just assigning blame or making assumptions. This fosters genuine conversations and provides a clearer picture of what’s truly happening.

Be mindful of your own biases. Our past experiences shape our perceptions, and recognizing these biases helps us stay fair and clear-headed. And remember to be kind to yourself. When you make mistakes, acknowledge them, learn, and move on. Treat yourself with the same kindness you’d offer others. Growth happens when we give ourselves the room to improve.

Balancing judgment with empathy builds stronger relationships and enhances self-awareness. When people are honest with you, it reflects well on your ability to connect with them. By maintaining an open mind and managing your thoughts, you’ll cultivate more meaningful and respectful relationships.

We are all human, and while we all make judgments to some degree, most of us strive to improve in this area.

To the caller that day and every person willing to be helpful for the interest of others, thank you.