A Guided Contemplation Practice for Leaders: The Balance Between Intuition and Strategy

Purpose: This 10-minute guided contemplation practice is designed to help leaders strengthen their ability to balance intuitive decision-making with strategic, deliberate thought. By reflecting on past decisions and imagining future challenges, leaders can cultivate clarity, flexibility, and confidence in their decision-making processes.

Step 1: Grounding and Centering (2 minutes)

Before making decisions, a leader must be present. Ground yourself in this moment.

1. Find a comfortable seated position with your feet flat on the ground and your hands resting gently on your thighs.
2. Close your eyes or soften your gaze. Take a deep inhale through your nose for a count of 4, hold for 2 seconds, and exhale slowly for a count of 6.
3. With each breath, allow any tension in your body to release. Imagine yourself becoming more anchored, like a tree with deep roots in the ground.
4. On each exhale, silently repeat: I am grounded and present.

Step 2: Reflecting on Intuition and Strategy (4 minutes)

1. Recall a past decision you’ve made as a leader. It could be a decision where you relied heavily on either intuition or careful analysis.What emotions did you experience during that decision-making process?Were you rushed or given ample time to think it through?What outcome did that decision lead to, and what did you learn from it?
2. Visualize two pathways in front of you: One path represents intuitive decisions—those made quickly, based on gut feelings or instinct.The other path represents deliberate, strategic decisions—those made after analyzing data, consulting others, and carefully weighing options.

As you stand between these two paths, ask yourself: Which path do I tend to favor, and why? Reflect without judgment, simply observing where your natural tendencies lie.

1. Imagine a decision you are currently facing or expect to face soon. What clues or information does your intuition give you about the situation?What insights could you gain if you paused and analyzed the decision from a strategic perspective?
2. Let both paths merge. Contemplate this balance: What would happen if you combined the speed of intuition with the wisdom of careful deliberation?

Step 3: Affirming Flexible Decision-Making (2 minutes)

Leaders thrive not because they always make perfect decisions but because they adapt to uncertainty.

1. Place your hand on your heart and silently repeat these affirmations:I honor my intuition, for it carries the wisdom of my experience.I honor my strategy, for it grounds my choices in thoughtful action.I am flexible in my decision-making, knowing when to trust my instincts and when to analyze deeply.
2. With each breath, imagine the two paths merging into a single radiant path ahead of you—one that reflects balance, adaptability, and confidence.

Step 4: Closing and Reconnection (2 minutes)

Slowly bring your awareness back to the present moment.

1. Take three deep breaths. With each inhale, imagine yourself drawing in clarity, and with each exhale, release any lingering doubt or hesitation.
2. Gently wiggle your fingers and toes, bringing movement back to your body. Open your eyes when you feel ready.
3. Before moving on with your day, set an intention: Today, I will approach decisions with both intuition and thoughtful strategy.

Final Thought:

This practice is about strengthening your ability to move fluidly between them. As leaders, we are most powerful when we listen to the quiet voice of intuition while leveraging the sharpness of strategy.

Try this practice once a week and notice how your decisions evolve over time.

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