Every leader relies on their intuition more than they care to admit. Coffee and donut problems, like the ones we play with during BTL practice, have one right answer. Most of your real issues, not so much. When hiring folks, there’s no “one” answer solution. When promoting folks, when firing folks, when positioning folks, and when partnering with folks, it would be nice if algebraic equations popped out the answer.
They don’t.
In fact, when listening to the folks on your team, the only fact that is a fixed part of the equation is one that is disconcerting and mostly denied. Facts don’t lie. People do. We all tell lies, mostly to ourselves. Today as you listen to the people you have the privilege of leading, remember this fact. Leaders trust first, leaders trust their “gut,” and when their intuition tells them something just doesn’t “add up,” these leaders slow down and “inspect what they expect.” Leaders give the benefit of the doubt and at the same time sniff around their system for the sabatouer.
Paradox.
This is why Friedman, in his book titled, A Failure of Nerve and M. Scott Peck, in his titled, People of the Lie, present a compelling argument that “sabotage” is a part of every system, and it’s mostly an inside job. Telling Lies, by Paul Ekman is another insight filled, page turner about clues to deceit in the marketplace, politics, and marriage. Few take the time to face these dirty facts. The majority live in denial, turn a blind eye, or simply choose to look away as if that makes it go away.
Every leader needs to be an educated leader. Your intuition is not as much a mystery as you might think. You can improve yours by studying, slowing down, and responding to your early warning signals that somethings not adding up. Your next hire, your next partner, and your next decision, regardless its type, just might depend on your ability to detect the facts and the lies. Remember, it’s mostly an inside job and it’s mostly growing instead of going because of your failure of nerve. You know you’re in denial when you reach the end of this rant and congratulate yourself for being the exception.
Are you trusting first and assuming less? Are you looking away when your gut signals it’s time to dig in? Are you believing the bullshit artist and punishing the truth teller? Are you only paying attention when your system metrics signal trouble?
Remember, results are a lagging indicator and you’re paid to understand the leading ones. Are you doing your job, leader?
BUILT TO LEAD 