
Are You a Good Judge of Character?
Does It Even Matter ?
We spend a lot of time judging character of people around us.
First impressions, gut feelings, and years of shared history all contribute to our judgments of character.
But are we any good at it ? Avoid being judgmental & more importantly, does it even matter to us, because usually… :
[1] We tend to seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs. If we think someone is trustworthy, we’re more likely to notice their positive qualities and overlook their flaws.
[2] If we admire someone in one area (e.g., their intelligence), we tend to assume they possess other positive qualities (e.g. kindness, honesty).
[3] People often present a version of themselves that they believe others will find most appealing. This can make it difficult to see the “real” person.
[4] Our moods, emotions, and even our own insecurities can significantly impact our judgment of others.
Instead, we must do following:
– Truly listen to what others say, both in words or in actions.
– Know people from different backgrounds and life experiences.
– Challenge your own assumptions and be open to the possibility that your initial judgments may be inaccurate.
– Instead of making assumptions about someone’s character, focus on their behavior and how they treat others.

