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Typically, we think of leadership in terms of business and formal authority, but we can lead in a myriad of other ways whether that be with our family, our community, or through other interests we are passionate about. Anytime you have a significant and profound impact on the lives of others, you are demonstrating leadership.
There have been many leadership practices over the years, but developing intuition, our highest level of intelligence, has barely been on the radar. The lack of focus and importance with respect to our intuitive intelligence in life and work is counter intuitive. We need to rethink the way we think. A lot of focus has been given to heightening emotional intelligence, and yet, intuitive intelligence is even more powerful.
When our intuition kicks in, all of the intelligences align and heighten; emotion, social, analytical, creative, and practical intelligence.
Neurologically, an intuitively intelligent brain has an expanded prefrontal cortex. An intuitively intelligent organization has a significant neuro-competitive advantage. Decision making time can be reduced from years and months, to minutes and seconds and problem solving is far more effective. Intuition allows for exponential productivity improvement.
We can envision what is possible and create the “impossible dream” when we uncover and consciously apply our intuitive intelligence in our lives and work. We can learn from the most significant leaders and scientists of our time who have used their intuitive intelligence to greatly benefit the world. Albert Einstein said, “The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind a sacred servant; we have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.” In addition, Einstein stated, “The intellect has little to do on the road to discovery. There comes a leap in consciousness – call it intuition or what you will – and the solution comes to you and you do not know how or why.” Researcher, Jagdish Parikh of Harvard Business School, conducted an international study of 13,000 executives. Most said they relied equally on their left and right brain and 80 percent credited their success to their intuition.
In the U.S. we have created cultures that support the rational, logical mind and inadvertently neglected the whole brain. We will not get to where we need to go by relying solely on intellect and logic, as they are not intelligence and wisdom. Relying solely on intellect and our “mental” mind, we ignore the instinctive and intelligent senses of the body, heart, and gut and the way we process this information emotionally. We cut ourselves off from our “whole self” and are therefore unable to perceive the entire picture. Intuitive decisionmaking embodies both linear (left brain) and non-linear (right brain) processing.
Over-rationalizing and over-intellectualizing minimize creativity, risk-taking, empathy, imagination, inspiration, ingenuity, teamwork, happiness, self-worth, efficient and effective decision-making, and perception, as well as profits and growth.
Making practical decisions can even be thwarted as common sense and street smarts are overridden by overwhelming amounts of data, facts and figures.
Fear often pervades as these environments tend to be more critical, judgmental, opinionated, and risk-averse. The hearts of people are minimized, and the egoic mind is in charge. The critical intelligence of empathy is undervalued. Stress impedes kindness. So, what’s wrong with this picture? Neurologically, these environments dumb people down, and optimal performance is unattainable.
When we follow our intuition, we are in integrity and at peace with ourselves. We trust ourselves, which invites others to trust us in return. You cannot lead if you don’t know where you are going, and you can’t know where you are going unless you know who you are. Intuition allows you to listen to your higher self and reminds you of who you are and why you exist. When your thoughts, behaviors, and decisions align with your higher self and core values, you can experience peace and joy. When you are true to yourself, self-consciousness gives way and leadership emerges. In the expression and celebration of your true essence, you rise above the judgments of others as the source of your happiness lies within.
Intuitive leaders are:
Spirited. Your intuition is the gateway to your spirit. When you listen to your spirit, you are inspired. The word “inspire,” according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, means to breathe life into and shares a connection with “spirit,” which comes from the Latin word for breath. Intuitive leaders inspire others to be their very best and unleash their spirit in life and work. They help individuals self-actualize to reach their greatest potential. The correlation between employee satisfaction and performance is well-documented.
Positive and peaceful. A positively peaceful attitude is the means in which you create your destiny. This mindset expands your prefrontal cortex and quiets the amygdala and stress response. Intuitive leaders have faith and remain calm in the face of adversity and uncertainty. They face their fears courageously and with resilience.
Purpose driven. Intuitive leaders do work that has significance and meaning. They focus on serving the greater good and contributing to benefit themselves and the world. They use their greatest wounds as a wake-up to their calling. They focus on the legacy they want to leave behind. Power is gained naturally through their passion and purpose, as others are drawn to their energy and character. Their power has nothing to do with formal authority and force. Intuitive leaders know that force will always lead to resistance, conflict and counter force. They are intrinsically motivated – the work itself is its own reward.
Trusting of their heart and gut. In this moment, you are synthesizing information from your body, to include your gut and heart, with higher brain activity to create intuition. When your gut, heart and head integrate, you are generating exponential intelligence and able to listen to your inner voice. In this moment, you have conscious perception and are also experiencing a physiological and emotional response to my words. Your analytical, rational, logical mind is also speaking, thinking about the reasons why you are reading this article.
Visionary/Precognitive. Intuitive leaders are imaginative and curious. They are precognitive and have foresight. They think out of the box and often see possibilities that are invisible to others. Their vision is so compelling, others want to be a part of it. They inspire, influence and mobilize others to create transformational change and paradigm shifts that disrupt and dismantle outdated and ineffective beliefs and practices.
Focused on personal growth. Intuitive leaders develop their own leadership potential. They focus on what Abraham Maslow termed, “self-actualizing” and “self-realizing” to reach their greatest potential. Your ability to make conscious decisions is based on the degree to which you are self-aware. You can perceive others and situations only as clearly as you perceive yourself. Intuitive leaders invite feedback from others and take their growth actions. They have a daily mindfulness practice and focus on heightening their energy and resonance to be more in-tune with themselves and others. They are open, fluid and non-defensive. Passionate about developing others. Intuitive leaders strive to gain a deeper understanding of others to help them learn and grow. They create the conditions for people to be successful, to expand, and be more fully empowered. They keep their ego in check and do not do “power plays.” They delegate and do not micromanage, minimize and disrespect others. Intuitive leaders create and build trust. They know when to direct versus guide others. People are naturally drawn to them for their mentoring capabilities.
Empathetic and compassionate. Intuitive leaders have emotional and cognitive empathy. They are attuned to others and able to feel what others are feeling and experiencing. Individuals and employees strive to be their best and perform better when they are in safe, stable and uplifting environments. Intuitive leaders do not motivate through fear or use a “carrot and a stick.” They hold others in high regard and appreciate their value and contribution. Real. The best leaders are not necessarily charming, they are transparent and genuine. They do not hide behind a façade and “mask” as they are confident and in integrity.
Karen Storsteen, M.S., M.A. has worked in the fields of individual and organizational development for over 25 years. She is an intuitive, counselor, executive coach and management consultant and has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, as well as Inc. and TED Magazines.
Karen Storsteen, M.S., M.A. Intuitive, Psychotherapist, Executive Coach, Public Speaker 303-506-6745 karensinsight.com karenstorsteen.com
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