TSB 055: Are You Listening to the Right People?

Read Time: 2 minutes

This week's tip:  Oftentimes, that little voice deep inside is the one you really need to hear.

Let's chat about something that doesn't get enough credit in the nonprofit world: your executive intuition. You know, that little voice in your head that often knows the right answer before all the reports are in. It's like your own internal superhero, and guess what? It's not just some mystical force; it's the product of years of experience, observation, and listening to a chorus of experts.

Understanding the Power of Your Intuition

Think about it. Every day, you're gathering data without even realizing it. Those long strategy meetings, the successes (and the not-so-successful ventures), the stories from your team, and the feedback from the communities you serve – all these experiences are constantly being processed by your brain. Your intuition is like a supercomputer that's been quietly compiling all this information over the years.

When you have that 'gut feeling' about a decision, it's not just whimsical. It's your brain's way of telling you, "Hey, based on everything we've seen and learned, this is our best shot."

3 Ways to Sharpen Your Executive Intuition

1. Reflect on Past Decisions

Take a trip down memory lane and think about the decisions you've made. Which ones worked out well? Which didn't? Reflecting on these can help you understand your intuitive strengths and weaknesses. It's like doing a workout for your brain, strengthening your decision-making muscles.

2. Embrace Quiet Time

In the hustle and bustle of running a nonprofit, it's easy to get lost in the noise. Carve out some quiet time for yourself, even if it's just a few minutes each day. This isn't just relaxation; it's an opportunity for your subconscious to process and connect the dots. You'll be amazed at the insights that can bubble up when you give them space.

3. Diversify Your Learning

Read broadly, attend different types of meetings, talk to people outside your immediate circle. The more diverse your inputs, the richer the data your intuition has to work with. It's like adding more colors to your palette – it allows you to paint a more nuanced picture of the world and make better-informed decisions.

The Bottom Line

Your intuition is a powerful tool, especially in the nonprofit sector where decisions often have deep, human implications. It's not about ignoring data or reports; it's about complementing them with your own internal wisdom. By honing this skill, you're not just becoming a better leader; you're tapping into a resource that can guide your organization to make a more meaningful impact.

So, next time that little voice in your head speaks up, don't dismiss it. Listen to it. It's the voice of your experience, your knowledge, and your empathy, all rolled into one. And in the world of nonprofit leadership, that's a voice worth listening to.

That's all for today. I'll see you again next Saturday!

Whenever you're ready, there are three ways we can help you:

1. Register for one of our upcoming workshops here. 
2. Learn the strengths and growth areas for your team and its members here.
3. Get expert advice to help transform the culture of your organization and develop better leaders here.