The Power of Observation Over Judgment, According to Noemi Kis✨

In a recent LinkedIn post, Noemi Kis✨ highlights what she identifies as the most underrated skill she has learned: observing without judging. The post delves into the common human tendency to form instant opinions based on incomplete information, a habit Kis✨ acknowledges she herself used to possess.

The Pitfalls of Premature Judgment

Noemi Kis✨ points out that many individuals form strong conclusions after seeing only a small fraction of a situation. This can apply to anything from business models to personal choices. She contrasts the outcomes of judgment with those of observation, stating:

Judgment closes doors. Observation opens them.

According to Kis✨, the act of judging leads to definitive conclusions about what is right or wrong, what will or will not work, and what others should or should not do. This approach, she argues, stems from an underlying fear – fear of being wrong, fear of appearing naive, or fear of lacking a definitive opinion.

Observation as a Path to Curiosity and Intelligence

In contrast, Kis✨ explains that observation allows individuals to notice what is actually happening, identify emerging patterns, and recognize what might be overlooked. This leads to a state of curiosity rather than certainty. She elaborates on the characteristics of truly intelligent individuals:

And to be honest, our need to judge comes from fear. […] We think strong opinions make us look smart. But some of the smartest people I know are ones who say “I don’t know yet” and mean it.

Kis✨ suggests that true intelligence is demonstrated not by having all the answers, but by a willingness to remain open, ask more questions, and adapt one’s views as new information becomes available. She emphasizes that these individuals tend to watch longer and process information more thoroughly before forming conclusions.

Cultivating Observational Skills

To combat the urge to judge, Noemi Kis✨ advises a simple yet powerful practice: pausing. She recommends taking a few extra seconds to observe or asking an additional question before forming a judgment. This deliberate act can help uncover a more complete understanding of a situation.

Kis✨ concludes her post with a powerful statement about how the world reveals itself:

Because the world reveals itself to those who observe. Not to those who already decided what they’re looking at.

Her insights underscore the value of cultivating a more observant and less judgmental mindset, suggesting it is key to deeper understanding and personal growth.