Train your "Wisdom"

Intuition vs. Process: Striking the Right Balance in Leadership

In the past week, I've heard the word "intuition" mentioned by three leaders I deeply respect. These conversations got me thinking about the role of intuition versus structured processes in business decisions and leadership.

I know it is a fascinating and complex topic debated for years.

Throughout my career, I've learned numerous rules and processes designed to mould good leaders. Those "tools" and references are well-established in business administration. While these frameworks can be valuable, sometimes they can overly guide the critical moment. Analysis paralysis is a real threat. I've seen many intelligent individuals get stuck and need help to move forward, often resulting in missed opportunities and suffering teams.

Timing, after all, is crucial in business.

Conversely, there are better approaches than leading solely based on gut feelings. To draw an analogy from sports, consider Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite his extraordinary natural talent, his success is also a result of disciplined training, healthy eating, and a strict lifestyle. Similarly, Pelé, the greatest footballer of all time, was known for his relentless practice, often being the last to leave the training ground. This dedication honed their natural abilities into greatness. These examples bring us to an important question: What is the right formula for leadership? Can we rely solely on intuition, or do we need structured processes (and hard work)?

If someone proposed a project based solely on their intuition, would you buy it? Probably not, unless such intuition had been consistently proven through past successes. In contrast, a structured project management plan might be easier to sell, which is likely why business administration practices have evolved through many waves and buzzwords, each offering a new framework for success.

As Mike Tyson famously said,

"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth."

The real test of leadership is how we react to unexpected challenges. Historical texts like "The Book of Five Rings" and "The Unfettered Mind" emphasize the importance of training and methodology. These texts suggest that true intuition is not an innate talent but a skill developed through rigorous practice and experience. As someone once said, "The harder I train, the luckier I get." Well-trained warriors become one with the sword, land, wind and opponent. All the hard work turned into mind and intuition.

In my experience, intuition is often the result of accumulated knowledge, continuous learning, and an openness to new information. This is especially true in marketing and commercial leadership roles, where listening to customers, sales teams, partners, and other stakeholders is crucial. Being out in the market, engaging with people, and staying attuned to the nuances of those interactions help develop the intuition necessary to make timely and effective decisions (besides training, processes, tools, rules, etc.).

It is not insignificant to remind us how our journey contributes to improving our intuition. This reflection comes from a podcast where I have just heard a former and inspiring boss referring to the transformative experience of surviving a natural disaster and the impact on her leadership style despite all the tools and training she went through in her career. That was scarry (and sad), but transformative and unique!

Moreover, the wisdom of experienced professionals is invaluable. However, as we gain experience and grey hairs (I have many), it's essential not to dismiss the fresh perspectives of young professionals. They are rising leaders and innovators who can drive significant changes in industries and societies.

Reflecting on my experiences, I can draft a clinical trial document on Large Language Models, but I would still rely on an experienced researcher to ensure its accuracy. While AI can be trained to follow steps, there is a human element of intuition and experience that often leads to breakthroughs and innovative solutions.

Integrating Insights

According to Forbes articles from last year, intuition plays a critical role in successful leadership. Intuitive leaders tend to make faster, more effective decisions and are often more successful because they trust their instincts and are not bogged down by overanalysis. Intuition allows leaders to be agile, adapt quickly to changing circumstances, and innovate in ways that purely process-driven leaders might not.

For instance, the article "Leaders, When Your Intuition Speaks, Listen" emphasizes that intuition is a powerful tool for leaders, enabling them to sense opportunities and dangers that data alone may not reveal. In "Why Intuitive Leaders Are The Most Successful," the discussion highlights how intuition complements analytical thinking, providing a holistic approach to decision-making that balances facts with gut feelings.

As leaders, we are often told to follow all processes and methodologies meticulously. These frameworks serve as guardrails, but they should not drive the process. Leaders drive the process and decide which tools to use and when to deviate from the norm. This is the same whether you are launching a product, starting a company, or building a brand. You need to follow some basic processes (like knowing how to approve a product with regulatory authorities) and be aware of available tools (what can AI vs established tools help?). However, ultimately, you are in the cockpit. You read the instruments and decide when to turn or not.

Balancing Intuition and Structured Methodologies

Leadership in today's dynamic business environment requires a harmonious blend of intuition and structured methodologies. A leader's intuition, honed through years of experience, provides the ability to sense opportunities and threats that are not immediately apparent through data analysis alone. This 'sixth sense' is invaluable in navigating uncharted waters and making swift decisions in high-stakes situations.

However, intuition should be complemented by structured processes that provide a stable foundation for decision-making. These processes ensure that decisions are fast but also robust and replicable. They offer a framework within which intuition can operate, providing checks and balances that mitigate the risks of purely instinctive decision-making.

For instance, a leader might sense a market opportunity when launching a new product. However, this intuition should be validated through market research, feasibility studies, and pilot testing. They are the readings and signs in the cockpit.

The structured product development process (from ideation to post-sales service) provides the rigour needed to turn an intuitive insight into a successful product from ideation to launch.

Embracing a Learning Mindset and Leveraging Technology and Data

A critical aspect of balancing intuition and process is maintaining a learning mindset. Leaders should continuously seek to expand their knowledge and refine their instincts, involving staying updated with industry trends, learning from peers and mentors, and being open to feedback. It also means being willing to experiment and learn from failures, which are often the best teachers.

In the age of digital transformation, leaders have access to an unprecedented amount of data and advanced analytics tools. These technologies can augment intuition by providing deeper insights and uncovering patterns that may not be visible to the human eye. For example, predictive analytics can help leaders anticipate market trends, while leaders can test the leapfrog decisions or develop an expected innovation or new business model.

The most successful leaders can integrate technological insights with their intuitive understanding of the business landscape.

Building a Culture of Trust and Collaboration

Intuitive decision-making thrives in a culture of trust and collaboration. Leaders should foster an environment where team members feel empowered to share their insights and instincts. This collaborative approach enhances decision-making and builds a sense of ownership and commitment among team members.

We have learned the value of having diverse teams. So, if we do not open for people to contribute besides following the process, how should we expect the whole team decision to benefit from different perspectives? As a leader, you must build an environment that contributes to intuition to work with everyone. By valuing and leveraging the diverse perspectives of their teams, leaders can enhance their intuition. Different team members bring various experiences and viewpoints, which can help identify potential blind spots and enrich the decision-making process.

The Human Element in Leadership

Machines can take you to the next step or some probabilistic viable options. Leaders make the ultimate decision. Ultimately, leadership is a profoundly human endeavour.

While structured processes and technological tools are essential, the human element—intuition, empathy, and emotional intelligence—remains at the heart of effective leadership. Leaders who can balance these elements and trust their instincts while grounding their decisions in data and structured processes will navigate their organizations successfully through the complexities of the modern business world.

Conclusion

The best leaders strike a balance between intuition and structured processes. They understand when to trust their gut and when to rely on established frameworks. This balance allows them to navigate the complexities of leadership and make decisions that drive their organizations forward.

Key Takeaways

• Intuition in leadership is not a natural gift but develops through experience and continuous learning.
• Structured processes provide a reliable framework and make actions potentially replicable but can lead to analysis paralysis if overused.
• Effective leaders balance intuition and process and embrace the opportunities new technologies can bring.
• A learning mindset, technological insights, and a culture of trust and collaboration enhance intuitive decision-making.

Credits: 1MilliDollars, Niketh Vellanki, and Robin Benad?on Unsplash

References:

Oxford Leadership : https://www.oxfordleadership.com/intuitive-intelligence-in-leadership/

Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/01/11/leaders-when-your-intuition-speaks-listen/

Entrepreneur Magazine https://www.entrepreneur.com/leadership/4-reasons-intuition-is-an-essential-leadership-skill/426726

Manageris https://www.manageris.com/fr-synthese-le-leader-intuitif-403.html