Written by: Jennifer Sharp, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Over the last few years, I’ve made some really great decisions in business. I’ve also made some poorly ones. The great decisions happened when I trusted my instincts – my gut intelligence. The poorly ones when I went ahead anyway even when my body was screaming DANGER.
So, what is Gut Intelligence?
It is our ability to make effective judgments and decisions by listening to our gut’s wisdom, heart, and mind. Studies have shown the gut-brain axis links our information centres, so we have a highway of connecting information available to us that aligns our decisions to our values, visions, and goals.
These brain centres all have their own purpose that weaves beautifully together when we listen to them. We all know that feeling we get in the gut that alerts us when something isn’t quite right. We all know what happens when we work from our heart space allowing alignment to happen with what we desire. Then there’s the thinking with our head which assimilates all information given so we can find the best outcome. When all three are synchronised, we are granted with so much wisdom and are able to discern what is truth to do what we know we must do for the best outcome.
There are five reasons why leaders need to increase their gut intelligence:
1. Making better decisions
Many of us put off or make spontaneous decisions in business because we haven’t yet learned how to integrate all of our three brains.
If we make a decision only from our thinking brain, we may end up with analysis paralysis becoming completely unaware of any other signs that are shown to us.
If we make a decision only from our heart space, we are reacting with our emotions and not completely seeing what is being handed to us.
If we make a decision with only that gut feeling we often don’t consider all the facts and how others may feel before reacting.
But when we learn how to integrate and connect all three together, our gut intelligence is increased and we are able to we are able to make more effective decisions leading to a desirable outcome for all.
2. Thriving in a turbulence
The world we live in operates 24/7 and we are always on information overload. Quite often this information leads to change where we tend to head down the fight or flight path. As leaders in business this often causes superfluous unreceptive decision making. This is when we realise we need to take a step back before we make any vital decisions. Reflection becomes important as does curiosity about what is occurring in our worlds. By increasing our gut intelligence we are able to practice the 80/20 rule – 80% impact, 20% activity.
3. Stop micromanaging
As leaders we have to learn to trust our instincts – our gut intelligence. We need to learn to get out of heads, and trust the cues around us. When we learn to trust our gut intelligence, we can lead at a much higher level – our communication evokes courage, not fear and we are able to work with compassion and collaboration that connects with our values, visions and goals.
4. Lead with a culture that rocks
With increased gut intelligence, we work not only by listening to our own wisdom, but also that of others. Different truths from different angles allow us to perceive and embrace the collective wisdom. Instead of believing there is only one way and it has to be mine, we are able to share cues with the understanding we don’t have all the answers and are able to collaborate and gather all the facts from every vantage point. When we embrace and practice these wisdoms, workplace culture improves.
5. An ego check through our inner voice
Are you a control freak as a leader? Does your ego take over? As leaders, if we neglect our gut intelligence, we are continually in a state of doing – micromanaging every step of the way, striving to do what we should have delegated because we think we are the only ones with the answers. With this comes fear and judgement. If we check in with ourselves, we are able to lead positively and collaboratively gaining insights that lead to better outcomes.
If we are connected from within, we are able to take ownership and lead with courage and empathy, encouraging others to take the same ownership of their actions.
As leaders, if we listen to our gut intelligence, we are able to concisely address issues that may arise early on and consider possibilities that we may not have thought of before. Our decisions are continually aligned with our values, visions, and goals and we are able to react appropriately.
As a leader in business, it’s not our job to continually put out the fires. By listening to our gut intelligence, we are aligned, we work more efficiently and effectively and achieve greater outcomes and work within a workplace culture where everyone is able to thrive.
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Jennifer Sharp, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Jennifer Sharp is a leader in the publishing industry, having founded international award-winning publishing presses. She has assisted many with telling their success stories globally, whether it be in business or life and has created coaching and mentoring programs that develop the writer's confidence in themselves and strategies that help them stay confident within themselves in all areas of their lives authentically.
Jennifer is the founder of Soul Essence International Publishing Press which holds two exclusive, retreats each year for those in leadership. The leadership retreat encompasses a three day elitist, luxury event at an exclusive location that incorporates keynote speakers, and the celebration of a collaborative book written by leaders for leaders. Each author also has access to being in a documentary. Jennifer is also the founder of Daisy Lane Publishing – a multi award winning publishing press dedicated to and for inspirational, educational books that celebrate diversity and inclusion. She also successfully executes a book coaching program ‒ Breakthrough:6 Steps to Successfully Publish Your Story coaching program.
Jennifer is on a mission to support as many as she can with living their life fully with positive intentions and to assist them with publishing their story along the way. Jennifer is passionate about bringing to life stories that show how women and men have risen above the naysayers in leadership and everyday life to be who they are today, having stepped up regardless of obstacles to pave the way forward for others whilst working from their soul and heart space.
Jennifer is an international keynote speaker and awards presenter and has been seen in YMag, ROAR Awards, Brainz Magazine, Mo2vate Magazine, CEO, 28COE, The OTEL Universe, Ausmumpreneur and is also a multi published author having published 5-star children’s books, self-help, and authorship books amongst others. When not at her desk she is often found with coffee in hand, cat on knee or with her besties on the beach.
