There’s no question that being a successful CEO or business leader takes a lot of discipline, dedication, and desire. But did you know that having intuition – something that is often associated with women – can also help you reach the top?
A 2008 study in the British Journal of Psychology defined intuition as what happens when the brain draws on past experiences and external cues to make a decision – but it happens so fast that the reaction is at an unconscious level.
We’re going to explore how women’s intuition can be used to help you become an even better CEO or business leader. We’ll discuss some of the benefits of using intuition in the workplace and provide tips on how you can start tapping into your own intuition.
Women have been shown to be more intuitive than men, and this intuition can be a powerful tool in the workplace. When it comes to making decisions, intuition can often give us the gut feeling we need to make the right choice. Intuition can also help us to see things from different perspectives, and to understand the motivation of others. As a result, using our intuition can help us be more effective leaders.
If you want to start using your own intuition in the workplace, there are four strategies you can implement right now.
Strategy #1: Pay Attention to Your Gut Feelings
Paying attention to your gut feelings can be a helpful way to make decisions. When we have a gut feeling about something it’s often because of our past experiences. Paying attention will help guide your decision-making. Often those little feelings matter more than big thoughts do in determining what action you should take. Over the years I have learned to pay attention to what I think of as a “red flag feeling”. It’s that feeling that says, “no”, “it’s not a fit” or “reassess in a few months”.
Strategy #2: Quiet Your Mind
Try to quiet your mind and allow yourself to be open to new ideas and possibilities. We lead such busy lives these days it’s no wonder our minds are racing all the time. We are constantly trying to multi-task and stay caught up with work, family and social obligations. But sometimes we need to just stop and take a break. Relax and allow your mind to quiet down so you can be open to new ideas and possibilities.
It can be difficult to do if you don’t make time for it on a regular basis. Find ways to reduce the noise in your life and create a space for quiet reflection. For example, take a walk in nature or sit in silence for a few minutes each day. When you allow yourself the opportunity to just be, you may be surprised at the creativity and clarity that emerges.
Strategy #3: Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from others. Whether it is advice from a trusted colleague or guidance from a business coach, outside support can make a big difference. Women’s intuition is often more powerful when it’s shared, so reach out to someone you can talk things over with.
Strategy #4: Listen to Your Heart
After you’ve been checking in with your gut feelings, don’t be afraid to listen to your heart. Sometimes what we think is best for us and those around us may not actually be so. The more time you spend listening to your heart, rather than analyzing every option in search of a perfect plan or strategy that will make everyone happy, may allow you to be more decisive and move your business or career forward faster.
Use your woman’s intuition to become even more successful in the world of business. Make a practice of tapping into your own intuition every day so it can become a habit. Start by paying attention to your gut feelings, asking for help, and listening to your heart. With a little practice, you’ll be surprised at how much easier it is to make great decisions quickly.
