NFIB

Use Your Intuition to Grow Your Business
09/ 05/ 2002

by Faye Pietrokowsky

Albert Einstein called it the highest form of knowing. It is timeless and one of your very best friends, always at your side trying to get your attention. Shake hands with your intuition. You may not know it, but you two have already met!

Many businesspeople daily rely on their intuition, and attribute their success in part to the use of their instincts. In a study of high-tech executives, 80 percent acknowledge using it when they make decisions. Many believe it affects bottom lines and impacts major corporate decisions. It is an invaluable tool in forecasting future trends. It is a major component of creativity.

You can develop your intuition with practice and patience. Focusing your attention on it will build your confidence and assist you in running your small business.

Intuitives and logicals

For your business to succeed, you need two types of people in your workplace: intuitive and logical. Both intuitive and logical styles have their merit in the workplace, and are a natural complement of each other. One starts where the other finishes. Intuitives can be a great asset to an organization, because they easily generate ideas, grasp abstract concepts and visualize the big picture. They often use words like "gut," "sense," "feel" and "instincts." However, many are not attentive to details or interested in them. Do not expect them to be at peak performance for eight hours a day.

Their rational/logical counterparts use an entirely different mindset both in their business and personal lives, and may often be accused of working from their intellect/head rather than their heart/emotions. These individuals speak differently than do intuitive types ("know," "understand," "in summary," "my estimation is," etc). They often need convincing before making decisions or drawing conclusions. If they go with their gut reaction to something, it is often after something has been substantiated or well thought-out.

Intuition is valuable at work

Intuition has merit in the workplace. Many 20th century inventions were the direct by-product of following one's intuition. The popular and lucrative Post-it Notes were born from a hunch. Conrad Hilton, who purchased the Hilton Hotels, based his successful bid on information that he reportedly received in a dream. Police officers have been known to acknowledge that instincts play an important role in solving crimes. Fashion designers go with their instincts to predict future marketplace trends.

While you shouldn’t base your decisions on instinct alone, sometimes conclusions need to be made or action taken without having all the information. This is when one's sixth sense is important. Some managers often rely on gut reactions rather than resumes or referrals when hiring. One manager related, "I almost always make my decision about hiring within 30 seconds of meeting someone."

Recipe for success

Intuition can be a great asset and an important ingredient for success in the workplace. It is very helpful in interpreting nonverbal communication. An estimated 97 percent of our communication is nonverbal. Paying close attention to tone and body language is especially important for salespeople, who need to intuitively know a customer’s likes and dislikes within minutes.

So develop and strengthen this ancient skill. Its benefits are to be had by all who are willing to use it. Indulge!

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Faye Pietrokowsky, owner of Inner Design, works with individuals and businesses to improve productivity and decision-making skills. She is currently writing a book about intuition. You can reach her 503.221.2123 or email faye@inner-design.net. Visit her Web site at www.inner-design.net

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