Common sense, according to Merriam-Webster, is "sound and prudent judgement based on a simple perception of the situation or facts".
If you feel like there is a person near you who is not able to make a judgement that should be intuitive and clear, then you might want them to develop better common sense. The management.about.com website offers some tips on how a manager or a leader can help others or themselves to develop better common sense and thus avoid constantly making errors.
1. Recognising the problem
The very first step is recognising the problem and admitting it. Chances are that this is the hardest task because admitting to one's weakness is never pleasant. A coach may help by providing consistent feedback. In the event that you have a history of many errors, you may be sufficiently modest and self-aware to recognise the problem with common sense yourself. This first step is a prerequisite to finding a solution.
2. Calm down and think things over
Allow yourself more time when trying to decide something. The vast majority of errors stem from impulsive decisions. A lack of time is often bad for the quality of any decisions approved, measures taken or plans drafted.
3. Think twice before you speak
If there is a chance that what you are about to say could be misunderstood or misinterpreted, then don’t say it.
4. Try to understand yourself better
You might want to take a personality assessment, which can reveal tendencies, weaknesses and biases that are in your very nature. Feedback from others may also be a useful tool – provided that you listen to it. Everything that helps you to know yourself better will facilitate your understanding of what really affects your decisions and analyses.
5. Listen to professionals
Find a coach who will help you examine your thinking processes. Read books that cover the topics of judgement, critical thinking and problem solving. Find a role model for yourself and look at how they make their decisions.
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