One of the gifts and responsibilities of leadership is decision making. As leaders we are bombarded by these constantly, some more significant than others.

“Infotuitive decision-making is clearly a necessary skill for leaders; however, it benefits from knowledge and self-awareness to effectively put the power of intuition to work.” – Bonnie Marcus

As a trained scientist I know the value and power of great data when it comes to decision making. We are trained from the first day of our undergraduate studies to remove all feelings and subjectivity. A powerful skill to have but just that a skill/tool in the tool box, not the magic pill for decision making by any means. As we move into leadership positions so ambiguity and complexity increase.

When we have analysed, researched and reviewed the data, consulted with trusted colleagues and received peer-reviewed feedback to no clear way forward it is ALWAYS our intuition that has the answers.

“There are two types of decisions that are not dependent on intuition. One type are decisions where the data is known and options can be calculated or estimated. The other are decisions with a long track record of experience behind them; however, if the future is different from the past, even this type of decision may require more than just experience and fact.”

The future is increasingly complex and over-thinking is a common challenge for us leaders today. Neuroscience tells us that the amount of storage in working memory is limited and we need input from all parts of the brain to manage highly complex decisions.

TRUST is the answer and like any skill practice is the answer to mastery. Create space for both analysis and intuition, the more you use and trust your intuition the more evidence is seen and the more we will trust.

What do you think? Maybe you’d like to read on? Check out the full version here then send me an email to discuss how this might impact your own business: tarryn@tarrynwinson.com.