Judgment Creates Separation — And It’s Costing Us at Work

In today’s hyperconnected world, we’re surrounded by opportunities to judge — from polarizing news headlines to curated social media feeds that reinforce “us vs. them” thinking. This growing culture of judgment doesn’t just stay online — it follows us into our workplaces.

And the cost is real.

We see it in communication breakdowns across genders, generations, and cultural backgrounds. Misunderstandings waste time. Collaboration suffers. Productivity dips. And people — your people — feel disconnected.

The separation isn’t one-sided. It’s widespread. And it doesn’t discriminate.

What if the solution isn’t another communication workshop or DEI initiative — but something simpler, deeper, and more sustainable?

What if it starts with practicing understanding over judgment?

Here’s what that could look like:

• Pause before reacting – Especially when emotions are high. A few deep breaths can prevent hours of cleanup later.

• Choose curiosity over assumptions – Ask questions. Learn where someone is coming from before deciding what their intent was.

• Shift perspective intentionally – Step into the other person’s shoes. What might they be thinking, feeling, or afraid of?

These aren’t just soft skills. They’re business-critical.

Because when people feel seen and understood, they work better together. And when teams work better together, results follow.

Leaders, HR professionals, wellness champions: How are you encouraging understanding in your workplace? Let’s make workplaces more connected — one interaction at a time.

Elena Rangel, Emerge EQ Coach