“I have the intuition that…”: this formula is often accompanied by an element of subjectivity linked to the circumstances. However, saying “I have the intuition that” does not mean that we decide at random, but rather that our experience allows us to anticipate certain events. If many entrepreneurs allow themselves to be guided by their flair, others, after bitter failures, believe that their intuition has led them to a dead end. Succeeding requires a lot of work, rigorous analysis and, of course, a bit of success. Many people also place intuition in the “luck” category. What if it were completely different?
What is intuition?
It appears essential to define intuition, even to demystify it, to grasp the gap between an impulsive choice and the strategic use of a true “sixth sense”, in the same way as sight or smell.
Basically unconscious, intuition is a signal sent by our brain to transfer information to our consciousness. It is in no way based on chance, but on the instantaneous analysis of our environment, cross-referenced with all of our past experiences.
Very often, we fail to explain its foundations immediately, which results in reactions such as: “I don’t know why, but I feel like I have to do it this way.”. In reality, the reason does indeed exist: it lies in the observations not voluntarily memorized throughout our journey (challenges, successes, disappointments, etc.). If the conscious mind remembers global events, the unconscious has recorded the micro-gestures, intonations, expressions and chronology of the events.
By producing a dazzling synthesis of our experience, whether personal, social or professional, our brain gives us its own analysis, a bit like breathing, which is an automatic reflex rather than conscious reflection.
Develop your intuition in business
Several studies indicate that nearly 90% of leaders regularly rely on their intuition. Many seasoned entrepreneurs have built their success by listening to their instincts. Here are three notable examples:
- Ray Kroc (McDonald’s): He borrowed $2.7 million, ignoring the advice of his lawyers, to buy and expand the fast-food chain based purely on his intuition.
- Richard Branson (Virgin): He says he makes most of his business decisions in less than 30 seconds, guided by the inner enthusiasm a proposal inspires in him.
- Tim Cook (Apple): During a speech at Duke University, the Apple CEO confided: “I am fundamentally rational. But all of the most important strategic decisions I’ve made have been guided by my intuition. »
Of course, this is not about brushing aside our factual analyses, study data or expert advice. The objective is to give instinct the place it deserves and to orchestrate a balance between reason and intuition. To master this approach without taking unnecessary risks, start by testing your “sixth sense” on secondary choices. Train gradually until you acquire the confidence necessary to apply it to major challenges.
Errors always possible
Even numbers and pure logic can mislead us, because each situation remains unique and the future always has its share of unknowns. Relying exclusively on intuition would be foolhardy; but giving up on exploiting this natural faculty of our brain to combine it with our analytical tools would be just as important. The key lies in a clever balance between reason and intuition.
