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In today’s unpredictable, chaotic world, where information is constantly changing and data can be deceptive, traditional decision-making models fall short. Analysis paralysis grips us as we grapple with incomplete information and mounting pressure. This is where intuition – our subtle inner voice – becomes our most valuable asset.
Intuition isn’t a mystical hunch; it’s a sophisticated blend of unconscious pattern recognition and deep-seated experience. When faced with ambiguity, our intuition presents us with a shortlist of potential solutions, allowing us to navigate complexity and make swift, informed appropriate decisions.
Research reveals that the most effective decisions emerge from a combination of critical thinking and intuition – the “brain” and the “gut.” While logic dissects data, intuition synthesizes patterns and identifies hidden connections. This “informed intuition” is particularly crucial in:
- High-stakes, time-constrained situations: When the stakes are high and time is short, relying solely on analysis is paralyzing. Intuition allows us to make rapid, decisive choices.
- Facing unpredictable environments: In chaotic, unpredictable situations, rapidly evolving technologies, and unexpected crises, intuition helps us anticipate and adapt to unforeseen challenges.
- Solving complex problems with limited data: Simple problems are best solved by critical thinking. But when reliable hard data is scarce, intuition guides us by drawing upon our past experiences and recognizing subtle cues.
Intuition actually starts the decision-making process when we are faced with situations that don’t fit familiar patterns. By presenting the conscious mind with a short list of possible solutions, it allows us to overcome “analysis paralysis” caused by stress or “information overload.” Once considered the antithesis of effective decision making, intuition is now viewed as an integral part of the decision-making process.
The explanation for the role intuition plays in our response to unpredictable/ chaotic situations requiring complicated decision making, is that in such situations too much is unknowable, making it difficult, if not impossible, to arrive at an appropriate solution with only a rational analysis of the facts. These situations become coherent and subject to rational analysis only in retrospect – after the decision has been made.
The more unpredictable/chaotic a problem or situation is, the more likely the problem cannot be effectively resolved by rational analysis based on the knowable facts alone, but, instead, requires the use of intuition, as long as it is based on sufficient experience to allow an assessment of the unknowable.
When faced with a unpredictable/chaotic situation, an effective decision maker collects enough relevant information to make the decision, takes time to reflect on the problem and the potential solutions, listens to their intuition (based on experience) and then selects the best solution to the problem. The more experience a decision maker has with similar problems, the better the intuition when it comes to selecting the best solution.
Unfortunately, this combination of brain and gut runs counter to what most of us have been taught is the “right” way to engage in decision making. In the workplace, relying on intuition over facts can is often be seen as a questionable way of resolving issues. Most of us are much more comfortable with a decision based on “the facts” than we are with a decision based on “feelings.” But to become better decision makers, in an increasingly chaotic and unpredictable world, we need to embrace our gut instinct. Fortunately, because intuition is a skill, it can be learned.
Learning the Skill Set of a “High Intuitive” – a person who is very good at using intuition in decision making – requires:
- Getting Out of Your Own Way! Most of us have been taught not to rely on our intuition. To get better at using informed gut instinct in the decision-making process, requires we accept the fact our gut has something meaningful to tell us and then listen to it.
- Avoid the “Curse of Knowledge!” Once we are an “expert” in a particular area, we solve problems by doing what we have always done, and not considering viable alternatives. We must go back to basics and look at the problem using informed gut instinct.
- Practice! Because informed gut instinct is a skill, like all skills, once we start practicing it, we enhance our ability to use it appropriately and can become a High Intuitive – someone who excels at using intuition in their decision-making process.
- Don’t Be Talked Out of Decisions Based on Informed Gut Instinct! Because informed gut instinct is often frowned upon in the work environment, High Intuitives often change their decisions when faced with a fact-based argument.
- Pay Attention! Do not ignore intuition when is whispers in your ear, even when you can’t clearly articulate what it is telling you.
- Imagine the Problem is Happening to Someone Else! By eliminating our self-interest in the problem, our intuition is freed to operate.
- Sleep on it! During sleep the rational mind is turned off and pure intuition takes over. To tap into your gut instinct, frame a question about the problem immediately before going to sleep and let your subconscious provide an answer while you sleep.
- Get Mad and Exercise! A study by University of California researchers suggests healthy anger helps people make better decisions. Healthy anger release, through constructive communication or physical activity, removes the mental blockages that hinder intuitive insights.
Intuition is not a magic bullet, but a powerful tool that, when honed, enhances decision-making abilities in an uncertain world.
You may still be skeptical, but my intuition tells me you should trust your gut instinct and give this approach a try.
I could be wrong…but I’m not.
P.S. A new series on Hulu – High Potential – is an interesting, and entertaining, example of using intuitive to solve crimes.