Among J-words I considered in the Leadership Alphabet Game are judgment, juggle, and just. I chose judgment to be the winning J-word. (Hopefully, I used good judgment in making my choice!) Disappointingly, there were no entries for the J-word.
In considering the leadership attribute of judgment in Why It Matters, I say, “In a 2007 Wall Street Journal article, Warren Bennis and Noel Tichy say, ‘After a five-year study of leadership covering virtually every sector of American life, we came to the inescapable conclusion that judgment regularly trumps experience. Our central finding is that judgment is the core, the nucleus of exemplary leadership. With good judgment, little else matters. Without it, nothing else matters.’ In their book Shakespeare in Charge, Norman Augustine and Kenneth Adelman identify judgment among the most important competencies of an effective leader. Having sound judgment trumps IQ scores. Being smart is one thing, but having good judgment is quite another. Possessing both is much preferred, but if you have to sacrifice one, don’t sacrifice judgment.”[i]
Also, each time he met with my leadership class, I point out that General Marty Steele shared four attributes he deemed essential for exemplary leaders. Marty said, “they must
- have the judgment to know what is right and what is wrong,
- have the integrity to do what is right,
- have the character to deal with those who don’t do what is right, and
- have the courage to stop those who won’t deal with those who don’t do what is right.”[ii] Marty’s first attribute is the winning J-word, his second attribute is the winning I-word, his third attribute is the winning C-word, and his fourth attribute is my “runner-up” C-word.
Microsoft’s copilot notes, “Judgment is an essential attribute for an exemplary leader because it directly influences the quality of decisions they make, the trust they build, and the outcomes they achieve.” It goes on to provide the following situations requiring good judgment: decision-making under uncertainty; ethical leadership; people management; strategic thinking; crisis response; and building trust.
When faced with uncertainty you seldom have all the information you would like. So, good judgment is required as you weigh the benefits and risks associated with each alternative available. Good judgment is required when it comes to taking risks and being risk averse.
In discussing leadership paradoxes in Why It Matters, I say, “Although my natural instincts are to be risk averse, I knew I had to be willing to take risks. Likewise, I needed to recognize when a situation called for me to be risk averse. John Roberts [J. B. Hunt’s CEO at the time] told the students in the leadership class he was a risk taker, but he would not bet the company when making a decision. He knew when to be risk averse.” In his case, “knowing when” required good judgment.[iii] Microsoft’s copilot notes, good judgment is required when making timely decisions without being reckless.
Likewise, in decision-making, you must consider long-term consequences. In doing so, consider what Walmart’s Judith McKenna calls the “second bounce of the ball.”[iv]
Regarding ethical leadership, Microsoft’s copilot notes, “Judgment helps leaders navigate moral dilemmas and uphold integrity. It ensures they: act in alignment with core values; treat others fairly and respectfully; and maintain credibility and trust.”
Regarding people management, it points out, “Leaders must assess talent, resolve conflicts, and motivate teams. Sound judgment helps them: recognize potential in others; handle interpersonal dynamics wisely; and foster a positive and productive culture.”
Insofar as strategic thinking is concerned, it notes, “Judgment enables leaders to: see the bigger picture; align actions with vision and goals; and adapt strategies based on changing circumstances.”
When responding to a crisis, Microsoft’s copilot observes, “In high-pressure situations, judgment is critical for: prioritizing actions; communicating clearly and calmly; and minimizing damage and guiding recovery.”
On the subject of building trust, Microsoft’s copilot states, “People follow leaders whose judgment they respect. It builds: confidence in leadership; loyalty and engagement; and a culture of accountability.”
I considered juggle for the winning J-word because, while discussing balance in Why It Matters, I point out, “Issues requiring balance must be dealt with simultaneously, requiring the leader to be a juggler on a tightrope.”[v] (I should have added, “without a net.”) Likewise, “In the last session of the leadership class, I reminded the students they would be juggling many balls throughout their life journeys. Several balls are made of rubber, and a few are made of crystal. Philip Lader, co-founder of Renaissance Weekend, explained at the event that it’s okay to drop rubber balls, but you dare not drop crystal balls. Crystal balls are health, relationships, faith, core values, and other truly important things in life; rubber balls are job titles, salaries, awards, zip codes, and other status symbols. In the long term, rubber balls are far less significant than crystal balls. Crystal balls cannot be put back together again if you drop them. It’s critically important to hold on to the crystal balls by having a balanced life.”[vi] Good judgment is needed to distinguish crystal balls from rubber balls.
I opted for judgment over just, because it encompasses a wider range of decisions and incorporates being just if an exemplary leader has good judgment. Also, if you are being fair (the winning F-word), then you are being just.
Next: Leadership ABCs—K
Rules for the game to receive a signed copy of Why It Matters: 1) limited to U.S.A. mailing addresses; 2) limited to a single selection for the word; 3) cannot submit entry sooner than one week before the blog is posted on LinkedIn; 4) be the first correct entry I receive; and 5) send entries to me at johnaustinwhitejr@gmail.com. The earliest you can submit your K-word entry is 12:00 am, EDT, December 17, 2025; the latest time is 12:00 am, EDT, December 24, 2025.
[i] John A. White, Why It Matters: Reflections on Practical Leadership, Greenleaf Book Group Press, Austin, TX, 2022, p. 39.
[ii] ibid, p. 42.
[iii] ibid, p. 100.
[iv] ibid, p. 253.
[v] ibid, p. 116.
[vi] ibid, pp. 129-130.
