Using Your Intuition at Work

Many of the leaders I work with have a good “gut” sense.  They “know” when a project decision is off base or when someone is the right fit for a job.  This is what we call intuition and it’s a powerful tool for a leader to have, but few of them know how to fully leverage their intuitive skills. Instead of relying on their intuition, too many of my clients tend to dismiss it.  When I ask them about why they don’t use it more often or share the “information” they receive with others they usually respond telling me that their company values “data” or they’re fearful that their intuition will lead them astray.I get it.  I work with some hard-hitting, results-oriented companies. But here’s the thing: The information your intuition is giving you is data.  It’s just a different form of data. Developing your intuition is a muscle you strengthen over time.  When you first start using it, it’s normal to feel a little insecure or wobbly.The first step in starting to experiment with the power of your intuition is to listen to what your Ego (the part of their brain that wants to keep you “safe”) has to say.  It will likely tell you that you’re going to lose credibility with your peers and/or boss or make a bad decision.  Hear it out just like a child who’s having a fit in the backseat of the car, but don’t let it stop you.  You wouldn’t let a small child take control of the wheel just because he didn’t like where you were going, would you?  You can assure your Ego that you’re just adding to your mix of skills, not abandoning your rational brain in lieu of your intuition.  You’re just practicing using both your mind and gut at the same time.Once you get your Ego in check, the next step is to notice how your intuition gives you “information.”  Your intuition may come from a variety of sources ranging from body sensations, “hearing” some information in your head, “seeing” imagery, or just “knowing.”  For me, the information comes via different sources depending on the situation.  Your job is to start paying attention to how the information is coming in.  Like any new relationship, trusting the information you get will take some time, so have fun with it and be patient.Now, for the part that might be scariest – how do you communicate the information your intuition is giving you?  The sentence starter my clients (and myself) have had the most success with is simply, “I have a hunch about…”.  Starting a sentence this way gives space for you to communicate the information your intuition is providing without having to “prove” your right.  It gives room for the other people to get curious and expand the conversation.  Or, if your peers aren’t interested in the information, no harm, it was just a hunch and you can move on.  Remember, you’re using both your brain and your gut, so you’ll know in the moment if you should push it or let it go.Experiment:  Set the intention to experiment with your intuition a bit.  If experimenting at work feels too risky, try it with people who love and trust you.  Start paying attention to how the information comes in and then give voice to it by saying “I have a hunch…”  If saying it out loud feels too risky, just write it down somewhere.  The important thing is that you notice the information and create some vehicle for it to get out of your body.  Then you can see how many times your gut steered you in the right direction.  This process is the only way you learn to trust your intuition.  I have a hunch you’re going to be pleasantly surprised with the power of own intuition!