Three keys, a quote and an invitation
In this edition of my newsletter I am sharing some of the findings from a recent research, which I think you could benefit from if you are a leader or a manager dealing with uncertainty and complexity. It’s called: ‘Leader Intuition: Good or Bad for Multiteam System Performance? The Roles of Information Load and Introversion’, by Dustin Sleesman, John R. Hollenbeck, Brent A. Scott and Robert B. Davison.
One
A well honed intuition significantly enhances leader effectiveness specifically when they’re dealing with large volumes of complex information and are in large and complex organisational structures, such as multi-team systems. A well trained intuition is traditionally considered tied to past experiences in management research. According to this research, focusing on the present moment is no less important than leaders ability to hone their intuition based on past experiences or domain expertise.
Two
Introverted leaders gain even greater benefits from using intuition.The study found that introversion acts as an important personality factor that amplifies the effectiveness of intuition. Introverted leaders—with their naturally reflective and observational tendencies—are particularly well-suited to leverage intuitive thinking in high-information environments.
This combination of introversion and intuitive style led to even stronger team performance outcomes.
Three
Intuitive cognitive style significantly enhances leader effectiveness, according to the research, specifically when they’re dealing with large volumes of complex information. In these data-rich situations, intuition helps leaders quickly process and synthesize information, identify patterns, and avoid the paralysis that can come from information overload.
A quote:
“Intuition is a form of unconscious intelligence shaped by experience and evolution in dealing with uncertain and dynamic situations—situations for which logic and algorithms are often ill-fitted.”
– Gerd Gigerenzer, Director Harding Center for Risk Literacy and author of The Intelligence of Intuition.
An invitation
Wisdom is asking the right questions. Clarity comes with presence and heightened awareness about how and to what we pay attention to.
My invitation this week is for you to:
Use your journal to reflect on and answer the following question:
To what extent do you hone in on your reflective and observational tendencies in your day-to-day work, to consciously leverage intuitive thinking in high-information environments?
Thank you for reading, and as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions. If you are enjoying reading this, are curious to find out more and think others might be, please do share!
With love & respect,
