Unleashing the Power of Intuition: Lessons from our Online Event

Introduction

In our recent online event, a group of professionals engaged in a thought-provoking discussion about the enigmatic concept of intuition. The panelists, each bringing unique perspectives to the table, shed light on what intuition is, how it differs from bias, and the importance of embracing it in various stages of decision-making.

Understanding Intuition

The event commenced with Shoshanna eloquently defining intuition as the direct way of knowing or understanding something without relying on prior knowledge or experiences. It goes beyond logical reasoning and taps into our inner wisdom. For example, when your car stalls, you might logically think of taking it to a mechanic, but the feeling of safety or danger in the situation is intuition at work.

According to Yvonne, intuition often manifests as a subtle conflict between what we know through reasoning and what shows up in our minds and bodies. It can be described as a gut feeling, an innate sense of right or wrong, and even a spiritual guidance that transcends conventional logic.

Intuition vs. Bias

The discussion about the difference between intuition and bias was insightful and started from acknowledging that bias refers to preconceived opinions or preferences that can influence our perception and decision-making processes. It may stem from past experiences or other external factors.

Biases can often manifest in hiring processes, leading to preferences for certain candidates based on personal connections or perceived alignments. To ensure that our new team members will truly be set up for success in their position, it is crucial to assess applicants based on core competencies, core values alignment, and intentional debriefs. This will avoid decisions driven predominantly by biased preferences. (see Part 2 for how to do this.)

The Role of Intuition in Decision-Making

Intuition has a place in decision-making, especially during certain stages. For example, it’s important not to overinterpret information, such as job-hopping on a resume. Rather, it's best to invite candidates for an interview and inquire about their experiences to understand them better.

Intuition is an insight that can be useful at the beginning and the end of processes. It helps ensure alignment and cohesion among team members during the selection process. Additionally, collective investigation and sharing different perspectives help align intuition among team members.

Question for the Readers:

Do you intend to incorporate practices like meditation and journaling to strengthen your intuition and decision-making abilities in your personal and professional life? If so, can you share some helpful tips and examples?