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I recently re-took a Spiritual Gifts Inventory, and what stood out for me—more than ever before—was the gift of Leadership & Administration. It’s no wonder then that I am able to spot leadership when it is there…and when it is not…
In my volunteer capacity, I recall working with one leader, who was selected for a position that he was not prepared to take. Over the course of a year, we worked together to identify his strengths, passions, and opportunities and ultimately navigated him to a new role. At work, too, I am often able to spot situations when people who are selected for leadership that will not succeed. That’s the Law of Intuition at work, and maybe that’s why I’ve enjoyed my 20-year career in Human Resources as a management and organization consultant!
In January 2014, I blogged about Jethro: The World’s First Management Consultant. Jethro used his gift of intuition as he read:
1. Situations
Jethro watched Moses in action and immediately reacted. He didn’t have to form a committee or do extensive research. He immediately saw a leadership problem.
2. Trends
An intuitive leader sees what’s happening in the present and understands where an organization is headed. Jethro could see Moses heading for trouble. He told his son-in-law: “Both you and these people who are with you will surely wear yourselves out.” (Exodus 18:18) Jethro knew disaster lay ahead if Moses didn’t change.
3. Resources
Intuitive leaders know how to resource their vision. They maximize whatever is at hand to achieve their goals. Jethro identified Israel’s greatest assets: Moses’ heart, God’s favor, and the people. He directed Moses to seek God’s counsel, teach the people God’s laws, and empower people to share the burden.
4. People
Skill with people is perhaps the greatest ability of an intuitive leader. Jethro understood people and leadership well enough to know how to empower Moses’ leadership, even though he had no personal experience with those who had just escaped Egypt.
5. Himself
An intuitive leader understands his strengths, his weaknesses, and his individual calling. I like to ask leaders, “What’s Your Most Powerful Leadership Tool?” I submit it’s the mirror…leading yourself (for more about that, check out this post). Jethro not only read and understood Moses’ leadership problem; he realized he was not the man for the job. So, he read and evaluated Moses’ leadership ability and planned accordingly.
Are you in a situation where you need intuition? Maybe you’re facing a crisis or a big decision… If so, Psalm 37 is instructive. David brings eternal perspective and long-term vision that prevents mistakes in short-term decisions:
- Trust in the Lord and do good; do what is right despite what others do (v. 3).
- Cultivate faithfulness and don’t move too quickly; don’t rush anything (v. 3).
- Prioritize God and His values; He will reward and satisfy you in the end (v. 4).
- Commit your plans to Him and trust Him; the results are His hand (v. 5).
- Be quiet and patient; perspective comes when we grow still and think (v. 7).
- Don’t fret or compare; such anxiety always gives bad motivation (v. 7).
- Refuse to get angry at competition; anger does not bring the results you desire (v. 8).
- Put your hope in the Lord; ultimately, He will guide and use your decision (v. 9).
Intuition—whether natural or developed intentionally—helps a good leader become a great leader. May you make good use of your intuition as you shoot for the stars!