Thinking By Feel (In Business And Life Decisions)

If you’ve ever found yourself at a crossroads, decision-wise, you’re not alone. I recently spent some time with a leadership team during their strategic planning offsite, and what struck me most was the divide in their thought process. On one side were the staunch advocates of data-driven decision-making; on the other were those who believed in the power of gut feelings.

This scenario got me thinking about a third way, a concept that might just redefine how we approach business strategy: the smart unconscious.

Imagine for a moment you’re sailing. Your decisions are the winds pushing your vessel forward, and in today’s whirlwind business environment, you need more than a good compass; you need a navigational system that combines logic, emotion, and something less tangible study sails of the smart unconscious.

The Smart Unconscious: The Game Changer

Ap Dijksterhuis, a maverick in the field of psychology, brought the smart unconscious into the limelight. His work presents a daring proposition: that our best decisions often bypass conscious thought. It’s a fascinating realm where the mind processes information in ways we’re barely aware of, tapping into a reservoir of insights and experiences and making swift, impactful decisions without the hand-wringing.

A Tale of Intuition: The Tech Company That Listened

Let’s dive into a story that encapsulates this perfectly. There was a tech company, much like any other, striving to make its mark in an increasingly crowded market.

Data had been their north star, guiding every strategic move. Yet, the highest levels of success remained elusive. The turning point came unexpectedly during a casual brainstorming session.

A team member shared an idea sparked not by data analysis but by a dream. It was unconventional, seemingly unfounded, and yet it resonated. They decided to merge this intuitive leap with their data-driven strategy, resulting in a product feature that was nothing short of revolutionary.

It wasn’t just a win; it was a testament to the untapped power of the smart unconscious.

EQ: The Unsung Hero of Innovation

This story isn’t just about a successful product; it’s about the role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in creating a culture where such intuitive leaps are possible. EQ is the bedrock of leadership and innovation. It’s what enables us to navigate the complexities of human emotions, fostering an environment where creativity and intuition are not just accepted but celebrated.

The Fusion Dance of Data and Intuition

So, how do we reconcile the analytical with the instinctual? It’s less about balance and more about integration. Data might tell us where we are, but intuition points to where we need to go. It’s not a tug-of-war between the heart and the mind but a partnership that leverages the strengths and insights from our smart unconscious.

Five Reflective Queries for the Modern Leader

To cultivate this triad of decision-making—head, heart, and the smart unconscious—consider pondering these questions:
1. What’s the cost of inaction?
2. What might lead us to regret this decision later?
3. Why did we sideline other alternatives?
4. How will we know we’ve made the right call?
5. Can we pivot if necessary, and what would prompt that?

(Re)membering the Interconnection

The dichotomy between thought and feeling, or the mind and body, often portrayed as separate entities, is a misconception that modern science and somatic practices are diligently dismantling.

Groundbreaking research and the pioneering work of experts like Peter Levine, Gabor Maté, and Bessel van der Kolk underscore an undeniable truth: our thoughts, feelings, the wisdom of the body, nervous and immune systems, and even our environment are components of a singular, interconnected system.

This holistic entity is commonly referred to as the “psychobiological” or “mind-body” system, highlighting its comprehensive integration of psychological and biological processes.

My Invitation To You

As we stand at the precipice of a new era in business strategy, I invite you, the leaders, thinkers, human artists, and dreamers, to embrace this symphony of thought. The journey towards integrating thinking and feeling isn’t about choosing sides. It’s about acknowledging the unique value each brings to the table and harmonizing them to navigate the ever-evolving business landscape with confidence, creativity, and a profound connection to our shared humanity.

In the spirit of exploration and innovation, let’s commit to this holistic approach, where data, emotion, and the smart unconscious guide us toward decisions that are not only successful but deeply resonant with the human experience. Welcome to the new frontier of business strategy.

If you want a more trusting team, a culture of belonging or a magnetic brand that attracts more of the right customers, I can help. If you'd like to explore if working together makes sense, drop me a line.

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