Myth
When I am under pressure, I can’t tap into my intuitive insight.
Truth
I always have access to my intuition and the ability to use it.
When we ignore our inner voice, we shortchange ourselves. This voice is a compass always giving you signals about which way to turn—it’s your unique professional edge. Careful and judicious use of this kind of emotional intelligence is a plus, helping us make the right decisions and boosting our confidence in our choices. While doing research for my book, we asked survey respondents: “What would your adult self say to your younger self to inspire her to have more confidence?” The answers underscored the importance of listening to your intuition with responses like, “You are smart. Trust your gut instincts!”
A gut feeling is a compilation of all your knowledge distilled into a simple impulse. Your intuitive sense stems from the rapid processing of everything you already know, everything you have learned and experienced. We can trust in our vast stores of life experiences to help us take the next professional leap.
How would your life be different if you took advantage of your intuition more often? Take a look at the scenarios below and consider, would you hold yourself back, or trust your gut?
Scenario 1
Your boss is discussing a potential problem, and team members are weighing in. You are privy to some information and have a gut sense that action should be taken now.
Hold yourself back
Your inner compass is drowned out by other assertive voices in the room, and you retreat. You don’t want to seem pushy.
Trust your inner compass
The issue is important, and you assert that action needs to be taken and explain why. You offer next steps.
Scenario 2
Your client contact has been promoted, and she introduces you to her replacement. You sense he is insecure and only looking out for himself.
Hold yourself back
You ignore your gut feeling and tell him about a minor problem with the account. Later you hear through the grapevine that he’s complained about how you handled things.
Trust your inner compass
You limit your interaction with him by delivering what is needed and nothing more. You realize that the best way to deal with someone you don’t trust is to communicate only what’s necessary.
Scenario 3
You’ve been offered a position with a start-up division. Your intuition is advising you to accept, even though doing so involves some risks.
Hold yourself back
You decide to play it safe. A start-up is risky. You’re not sure you’re ready for that.
Trust your inner compass
You ask a trusted advisor’s opinion, and she sees the long-term possibility of advancement, which confirms what you sense. You decide to go for it.
Adapted from The Confidence Myth: Why Women Undervalue Their Skills, and How to Get Over It, by Helene Lerner, Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2015
- Move straight ahead. When presented with a problem, your gut tells you how to proceed, though others may not agree.
- Proceed with caution. Sometimes it isn’t clear whether or not you should take an opportunity. Move forward carefully.
- Wait, then decide. Get all the information first, then connect with what your intuition is telling you.
- Decide it’s not right. Even if an opportunity looks great on paper, there may be something within us tells us it’s not good. Don’t take this lightly.
