Intuition is a response not a reaction.
It’s healing not harmful.
It’s the voice within, heard only
when judgment is silenced…

Leaders who have sharpened their intuitive ability can capitalize on opportunities that others are blind to. The risks they take are more calculated based on their inner radar. They can ride the wave of the future as they bring new ideas to life.

Intuition is developed by learning how to shift your attention away from the external world to within yourself. With the willingness to let go of the visible props of the material world, even though it’s challenging, a new door is opened that leads the way to self-knowledge and inner wisdom. Your inner awareness strengthens your Intuitive nature, which powerfully affects your decision-making process in every single moment.

The inward path leading to self-awareness and intuition is not programmed with red and green lights telling you when to stop or go. The journey within becomes a trust issue and along the way you will begin to learn and understand your personal signs and symbols.

The path will ask that you have the courage to test the waters, the courage to share and the courage to fail. With practice you will develop the ability to listen to and trust your intuitive nature.

The first and foremost step toward developing your intuition is to let your feelings guide you. Ask yourself, “Does this feel right?” Then ask it again and again for every step forward you take. Let your feelings override your intellect. This does not mean your intellect is being kicked to the side, never to be use or valued again. It simply means that you are no longer placing it on a pedestal as the only source of valuable information.

Should you turn right or left? We seek the answer outside of ourselves, often frantically and fanatically – becoming lost in the noise and clutter of the external world. You can research, study history, charts, methodologies and formulas as you seek the “right answer.” Or call upon the experts for their professional opinion. But as a Leader the ultimate decision is yours.

If your gut feeling goes against the grain of the common consensus, yet keeps nagging at you and feels like the right direction – what will you do?  Give in and lead based on what you feel is wrong?  Is that the type of leader you want to be?

Those around you – the influencers who mean well, can become cemented to a one-way solution that may or may not be effective. If your Intuition is developed it will give you the ability to discern and see between the lines. You will know the direction to move in and will intuitively be able to express it and stand strong with conviction.

Practical Applications for Business

When meeting a prospective business client for the first time pay close attention to your feelings. Do you feel at ease? Do you get a sense of trust or an uncomfortable feeling – even if you can’t immediately identify it?  If so, then take time to think it through before you take on a potential problem client.

When interviewing future employees let your feelings impress you as much as an outstanding resume. Pay attention to your feelings and let them lead you to targeted questions that can give you more information and shed light on your concerns.

In negotiations, avoid signing the bottom line if you have even one uncomfortable feeling. Allow yourself and the other person more time to think. Your developed intuition will protect you and give you the insight to ask for what you need and hold your ground. It will also guide you in the development of a win-win contract.

Five simple steps for developing your intuition…

1) Quiet Your Mind:  Every day spend quiet time alone for 10-15 minutes. No iPads, iPhones, computer or electronic devices designed to connect you to others.

2) Unwind: Take pen to paper and spontaneously write whatever comes to mind without judgment.

3) Create White Space:  Put the pen down and see yourself in a calming and peaceful environment. You’re creating white space – clearing the path to the door of inner receptivity. Remain there for 5 minutes.

4) Ask for Guidance: For assistance, answers, direction – whatever you need.

5) Listen for Your Next Step: Write it down. Trust it. Commit to taking it.

Commit to doing this exercise daily and you will begin the journey of a lifetime that you will benefit from personally and professionally.

As we venture farther into the uncharted territory of the 21st century, the need for intuitive leaders is great. The demand for new ideas, innovation and creativity is staring us in the face and we are challenged as never before to solve humanitarian problems in every field on every continent. The vision for tomorrow needs to happen today.

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“Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.
… Everything else is secondary.”
Steve Jobs