TLP120: Why Trusting Your Gut is Hard

Chances are, you have been told at some point to just “go with your gut,” or “trust your gut.” Every day we are faced with thousands of decisions, and some just seem to come from within, or a source inside ourselves. Today, Jim and Jan talk about what it really means to trust your gut. They explore the many assumptions we make, why it’s so difficult for people to trust themselves, and they share a few of their own coaching experiences. Finally, they talk about decisiveness, and why it’s essential to trust your team and focus on the systems that create the environment where people can thrive.     Key Takeaways [2:19] Over time, executives become more comfortable trusting their gut, as they have most likely experienced moments where listening to their gut has served them. As coaches, a large part of Jim and Jan’s work is reconnecting people with their gut instinct. [4:56] Extreme statements such as “it never works”, “this always happens” and “this can’t work” are usually surrounding assumptions that limit the entirety of how we see a situation.   [6:26] Getting confident in your instincts is a process. [8:14] A lot of leaders equate confidence with competence. It’s natural for people to lose trust in their gut when they are in a new, unknown environment. [11:52] Great leaders learn from their mistakes, and don’t let the stress block their ability to make decisions. [13:52] When faced with a decision, ask yourself “what’s the damage of not making a decision now?” and the choice to process more information before you act could be your decision. [14:52] While some situations call for immediate decisions, there are also situations where it’s best to slow down and process all the variables before leading down a path.  This is where trust in your system and your people is paramount. [19:20] The Leadership Podcast is divided and Jim and Jan need your help! They both pronounce coupon differently. Jim says it “cyoopon,” while Jan stands by “koopon.” Let us know which way you say it!   Quotes Competence Yields Confidence Getting confident in your instincts is a process. “Your gut instinct talks to you first.” “It takes a while for people to trust their gut.” “Explore your gut and trust the system. ”   Instagram: Facebook: Twitter:     by Simon Sinek   Thank you to our sponsor: - use code WESTUDYLEADERS for 20% discount