Good leaders learn how to trust intuition

By Ranjana S.

One of the primary reasons top leaders are able to make tough decisions is because they have learned to trust their intuitive instincts. Bill Gates says, "Often you have to rely on intuition."

The facts are great, and we need them, but sometimes it boils down to what we feel in our gut. Facts are the "math" of decision-making while intuition is the "art." Traditional business teaching tends to focus on the facts and numbers, but what about this important element of intuition?

While some people seem to have a stronger sense of intuitive skills than others, I do believe that any leader can learn to be more intuitive. It is simply a matter of learning to trust your heart when it speaks to you.

There is a certain element of risk in intuitive leadership, but that is the nature of leadership. I love the motto of the British Special Air Service: "Who Dares Wins!"

Here is a process you can develop for intuitive instincts:

• Write down the issue at hand. Don't just think about it -- put it on paper.
• Identify as many options as possible. Make a list of all options open to you.
• Pull away from the process. This gives you time to reflect upon the situation.
• Start playing out the consequences of your options in your mind. Eliminate them one by one. If you see how one situation would take you down the wrong road, get rid of it.
• When you get to a final list of options, bounce them off of wise people both inside and outside your organization. Let them tell you the pros and cons of each one.
• Check your heart. Look at:

1. Motive. "Why am I doing this?" Sometimes we find that we are doing something for the wrong reasons and that may lead us in the wrong direction.
2. Responsibility. "Should I be doing this?" As leaders who desire the best for everyone, we need to ask ourselves if this is the responsible choice to make.
3. Emotional status. "Can I feel right about doing this?" There is a lot to be said for being able to sleep at night. 

• Make a decision. When you have done the above, pull the trigger on your decision. Make it quickly and get moving on the plan.

• Hold to that decision. Don't waver. The work has been done. The questions have been asked. Now is the time to execute the plan, not question the decision.While no leader ever reaches perfection when it comes to decision-making, leaders who strive to obtain all the facts possible, who trust the intuition of his or her team members, and who cultivate and trust their own intuitive instincts will have a batting average good enough for the Hall of Fame!