Common Errors In Judgement Analysis

After learning about the common errors in judgment, stereotypes, snap judgments, unwarranted assumptions, projection, the halo effect, and sweeping generalizations, it was evident that I have experienced them all (Bethel University 2013). The most common error in judgment, in my personal opinion, is stereotyping. A person is usually stereotyped into one category or another when they do not fit what society thinks they should (Bethel University, 2013). For example, my boyfriend has never been in any trouble and has served his time in the military. He fought in Iraq for a year and it was very traumatic for him. He decided to tell his story by tattooing it on his arm and the only color in his artwork is in the American Flag. Many people have assumed that it come from prison because it is a big art piece and it is not in color. Another example is when I was younger, I had assumed that preachers were holy at all times until I realized they were human and trying their
best to live as Christ. It was not until I worked with a pastor that I realized we all fight battles of this world.

Unwarranted assumptions are pretty much bad habits. If you are used to being a certain way in one situation, you assume you can be the same way in another (Bethel University, 2013). People at work assume that since I have been equal to them in their position, that they can get away with more. Recently, I have been moved to a supervisory role, therefore, it's been tough drawing that line with my co-workers. They assume I will be "cool" enough to let them get by with things they normally wouldn't do or what other supervisors allowed in the past.

Projection is a huge issue in life in general. I have experienced projection at home, work, school, and in relationships. For example, at work, my staff tend to follow the leader. One employee said to me the other day, "She's part time and worked 7 hours today, so I figured I would too." Also, in the past, I have had boyfriends who tried to cheat or drink or whatever the case may have been, and it is always because "someone else was doing it" or "someone else said it wasn't really wrong." People want to justify their actions by comparing themselves to others that project those same actions (Bethel University, 2013).

I presume that everyone has faced some type of judgment, whether they were the guilty one or the victim. These errors in judgments affect the way we perceive information, thoughts, and attitudes. When trying to think critically, all of these common errors in judgment can affect your learning experience (Bethel University, 2013).
A previous supervisor at work was recently put on leave for a confidential matter I cannot disclose.
I was the Administrative Assistant for the last two years, but six years prior I was a support specialist who worked hands on with disabled clients. The previous supervisor was a family friend who I helped get hired in 2012. He began his employment with our company as a support specialist. When the supervisor position became available last year, we thought he was a great candidate. He was promoted and so was I. We began our new roles as supervisor and administrative assistant with many changes being made within the company. Things were great until his attitude took a turn for the worse and it started with demeaning slander to the women. Eventually, he upset a client, therefore, he was put on leave and investigated. During his leave time, I was asked to step in and fulfill the role of supervisor while maintaining my administrative job. I had just started to school at Bethel and my son had started high
school.

Thirty days passed and the conclusion of his investigation was not substantiated, so they offered him a demotion and pay decrease. I worked closely with my boss during the thirty days and we had changed so many things; good changes that were necessary. I was offered the supervisor role permanently a few days before we knew the outcome of the investigation. When I found out that he was coming back I became very nervous. I questioned so many things and wondered if I would be sabotaged, disrespected, or have to deal with insubordination.

Monday morning he arrived at 8:00 am and I had to put him to work immediately. How would he respond? How would he treat me when he walked through the doors? Not only had he been a family friend and superior at work, he was an elder. How would I feel if I had to discipline him and could I do it like I needed to? Questions overflowed my mind.

From the beginning, I instantly got involved with my clients and employees. I changed certain tasks, rules, and order within the way our employees worked with the clients. I had to remember what it was like to be a support specialist and think about the challenges they face in their positions. This allowed me to be more empathetic when reordering their routines and responsibilities. I had to work with them to understand things from my point of view too. Sharing our mindsets allowed us to work together and become more efficient (Bethel University, 2013). Of course, my own routine was hectic, therefore, I had to take time to relax and brainstorm (Bethel University, 2013).

To overcome the fear of the previous supervisor coming back underneath my authority consisted of support and acknowledgment of my position (Bethel University, 2013). I evaluated my decisions and the changes I had made since he had been gone; as well as the changes I had to create for his job responsibilities. I knew during that thirty days I had made mistakes and had failures, but I upheld the confidence that I could do the job. I am a creative person who fosters humor and humbleness, but also persistence. I constantly think of ways to make things better, be a supportive supervisor, and use challenges to open my creative ideas. Being prepared for his arrival back to work took a lot of courage, creative organizing, persistence, and the acknowledgment that I would not do things the way he did as the supervisor (Bethel University, 2013).