Seek not to create a “judgment-free” zone nor to ask people to “suspend judgment.” It’s impossible and a misleading directive.
Ask instead for heightened awareness and acknowledgment that, as human beings, we use judgment all the time.
A few questions to ask:
1. Are you using good or bad judgment?
2. What are the biases and opinions impacting your judgment?
3. Are you intentionally asking questions to deepen and further your knowledge so that your judgment is informed?
Asking people to have a “judgment-free” zone is like a “breath-free” zone.
Let’s walk toward understanding what we do instinctively as human beings instead of pushing it off as something that only some negative folks do. I encourage us all to take on the challenge. We all judge. We all create stories. We all breathe. And we can do it all with more intention and awareness.
Hilary Blair is a leadership keynote speaker based out of Denver, CO, and is the co-founder of ARTiculate: Real & Clear. She is also a highly regarded, actor, improviser, facilitator, voice-over artist, and voice expert coach. Contact us today to learn more.
