Judgment usually launches from a platform of prejudice . . . pre-judging negatively BEFORE seeing the greatness and value in others. This is your place of testing as a leader.

Why is judging others so poisonous to ourselves and others? And why do we end up doing the things we judge others of?

These questions are worthy of a whole book (coming!). For now, please consider my thoughts knowing I've limited this article to about 3-4 minutes (after reading it, please email your feedback to me . . .).

I believe it has to do with images.

Images are so powerful. What you focus on and deeply commit to begins to show up in some way in your life.

Why do you think Jacob put images of stripes and spots before Laban's livestock? Why are we encouraged throughout the scriptures to see the way God sees?

We're in a battle of images. Paul writes in 2 Cor 10:3 that we're in a war. Verse 4 - the weapons we use to win this war are different from what we would typically use. Verse 5 - the battle is described. The focus point of this battle is pulling down . . . what? Imaginations, thoughts - in other words, wrong images.

Do you remember the 2nd of the 10 commandments? Make no graven . . . what? Image. There it is again. Focus on the wrong image and it can destroy you and your relationship with God and others.

When you look into a mirror, what image do you see? James warned us of looking into the mirror and forgetting who we are.

Paul urged us when looking into a mirror to see an image of ourselves that reflects the glory of God. Two chapters later he encourages us to look at others the same way (i.e., not after the flesh). Why? Because we are changed by the image we see (what we behold is what we become).

Judging is actually the process of generating a negative image within us.

This image usually carries with it intense emotion - so intense, it tattoos our thinking and dictates our behavior. The image and emotion attached to judgment are so strong that the thing we judge in others begins to show up in our lives in some way.

As a leader, our opinion carries a lot of weight - perhaps more than we think - especially our negative opinion (judgment) of others. Judgment weakens our ability to lead because it locks up our healing strength and blinds us from seeing people for who they can be.

What do we do then? Our judgment feels so true and justified. Our weak perspective says "it's not my opinion - it's the fact! The person did this negative thing . . . do you want to hear the details?!!"

Remember, the way you see yourself and others contains the power to change.

Before latching on to the negative image of judgment, see that person for who s/he truly is. One who bears the image and likeness of God. One who has greatness on the inside waiting for a person of strength (like you) to respond out of that strength instead of reacting "just to straighten him out."

Before allowing the negative judgment image to settle, focus on one positive aspect about that person. Like a magnet, it will attract other positive thoughts and move you from weakness to strength. Remember, it IS a battle. Using the right weapons, fight with resolve to win.

This is not a matter of ignoring issues you need to address of those you work with. Address them - that's what leaders do!

Effective leadership, however, demands arresting the habit of first going into a negative mindset towards others. It's really guarding your heart against emotionally-charged negative images that destroy you and everyone around you.

The essence of leadership is relationships.

I encourage you to take inventory of all your key relationships, especially those filled with friction. Make a decision to allow an image of their greatness to swallow the image of their weakness. Align the words from your mouth with that decision. This sets the stage for the strength of your leadership to develop and release the greatness in them. Isn't that what leadership is all about?

Let the positive strength of your leadership be felt today!

Tim Redmond