When trusting your instincts in leadership, what should you always consider?

Trusting your instincts in leadership primarily involves relying on your intuition. Intuition can be seen as the internal compass developed from past experiences, knowledge, and subconscious reasoning. It operates as a guide, helping leaders make decisions quickly in situations where analytical reasoning takes too long or is not feasible.

When leaders trust their instincts, they tap into a reservoir of insights gleaned from previous encounters and learned behaviors. This deep-seated understanding often leads to decisions that feel right in the moment, even if they cannot always be explicitly justified through data or structured analysis. A strong intuition can help leaders navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, assess risks, and seize opportunities that may not be immediately apparent.

While other options such as planning, authority, and experience are important components of effective leadership, they serve to inform and support the intuition rather than replace it. Therefore, being in tune with one's gut feelings is crucial for making effective leadership choices, especially in ambiguous or rapidly evolving situations.