In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Jessica Pryce-Jones about her book, INTUITION AT WORK: Using Your Gut Feelings To Get Ahead. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
This meeting focused on the importance of intuition in decision-making, particularly in leadership roles and complex business situations. The speakers discussed the need to balance data analysis with gut feelings, emphasizing the value of collective intuition and intellectual humility in strategic decision-making processes. They also explored techniques for developing and applying intuition effectively, while acknowledging the importance of self-awareness and diversity in decision-making.
Intuition at Work: Book Discussion
Jonathan and Jessica Pryce-Jones discussed Jessica's book, "Intuition at Work: Using Your Gut Feelings to Get Ahead". Jessica, an executive coach and author, defined intuition as a feeling of knowing, often accompanied by a sense of right or wrong. She emphasized the importance of recognizing and paying attention to these gut feelings. The book's title was chosen to encourage openness about intuition, as it is often overlooked or misunderstood. Jessica also shared her background, including her work in finance, psychology, and leadership development, as well as her experience as an adjunct faculty at various business schools.
Balancing Data and Intuition in Decisions
Jessica discussed the importance of data in decision-making, particularly in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous situations. They acknowledged that while data is crucial, it's impossible to have all the necessary data for fully informed decisions. They emphasized the need to balance data analysis with intuition and judgment, and not get stuck in analysis paralysis. The speakers agreed that data should be used to validate insights and intuitions, rather than solely driving decisions.
Intuition's Role in Leadership Decisions
The discussion revolved around the role of intuition in leadership, particularly in higher organizational levels. It was noted that as one ascends the hierarchy, the reliance on intuition increases. The speaker emphasized the importance of intuition in decision-making, especially in complex situations that impact many people. They suggested that leaders should be more attuned to their gut instincts and not shy away from discussing their use of intuition in decision-making. The speaker also highlighted that intuition plays a significant role in strategic and people-related decisions, which are inherently ambiguous and require a more intuitive approach.
Intuition in Decision-Making and Hiring
Jonathan and an Jessica discussed the importance of intuition in decision-making, particularly in difficult and unclear situations. They emphasized the need for self-awareness and understanding one's own biases, such as confirmation bias, to make better decisions. Jessica suggested that intuition should be practiced in smaller, everyday situations before being applied to larger, more significant decisions. They also highlighted the importance of seeking feedback and incorporating diversity in decision-making to ensure the accuracy of intuition. Jonathan agreed with these points and acknowledged the role of intuition in business and hiring.
Collective Intuition in Strategic Decisions
Jonathan and Jessica discussed the importance of collective intuition in making strategic decisions, particularly in the context of mergers and acquisitions. Jessica shared a personal experience of a management consultancy project that failed to deliver its intended savings due to a lack of collective decision-making. They emphasized the need for a balance between analysis and intuition in decision-making, and the potential for catastrophic consequences when decisions are driven by individual interests rather than collective intuition. The speaker also mentioned working with organizations that have made disastrous investment decisions, highlighting the importance of better decision-making at the outset.
Leadership, Intellectual Humility, and Intuition
Jonathan discussed the importance of intellectual humility and openness for leaders. He suggested that leaders should seek outside input and check their own judgment to gain a holistic understanding. An explorer's technique of mentally tossing a coin and noticing where he wants it to land is mentioned as a way to tap into intuition when making decisions.
Intuition and Decision-Making Importance
Jonathan and Jessica discussed the importance of intuition and its role in decision-making. Jessica emphasized the need to listen to one's gut instincts and treat them as a friend for better outcomes. She also shared her book, which provides more insights on the topic. Jonathan encouraged the audience to connect with Jessica on LinkedIn and to check out her book on Amazon.
Listen to the webinar here:
