Right now there are many powerful forces in the culture designed to make decisions for us. From pundits and pollsters to marketers and advertisers, we are besieged on a daily basis by “information sources” which, in fact, would like to short-circuit our own judgement.
Judgment in this context is “the ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions.” If we cede this skill to other people, we essentially give those people the power to think and act for us. We surrender our autonomy. When we do this, we open ourselves up to become unwitting reinforcers of prejudice, intolerance, and agency problems.
Supporting good judgment is one of your primary duties as a real estate agent. Your clients look to you as a source of trusted information and guidance as they try to make a profound personal and financial decision. You have a responsibility to support your decision making skills. This includes avoiding cognitive biases (like the Dunning-Kruger effect), and honing your decision making abilities.
As you prepare for 2017, keep Kane O’Hara’s quote in mind about judgment and prejudice. Take time to notice when you feel your own ability to make “considered decisions” and “sensible conclusions” may be under assault.
