Gut Feel in Managers: A Study of the Use of the Intuitive Hunch Method for Accurate Intuition

Abstract

Intuition or gut feel is defined as a direct way of knowing the reality through an increased awareness. While current literature discusses the evidence of intuition in managerial decision making as well as reflects on the nature of intuition itself, a gap exists in the absence of reliable methods to develop intuition in leaders and managers. This paper presents the results of the use of the Intuitive Hunch Method to develop intuition in 376 managers and leaders. The results showed that for those who practiced regularly, this method benefited them by enabling recognition of intuition from other thoughts thereby leading to accurate intuition. Further, participants reported that the accurate intuitive insights facilitated day to day management, data error detection, colleagues motive identification and increased relationship satisfaction.