Over many years of working with leaders, I’ve found that the more intuitive a leader is the more difficult it is for them to replicate themselves. They just intuitively know what do to and aren’t able to explain or articulate it to others; it feels mysterious to them and also to other people. This communication problem puts the intuitive leader are a serious disadvantage in their attempts to develop new leaders.
The more intuitive you are, the more you need to embrace processes so other people—who may be gifted differently than you are—can replicate the important actions and behaviors. Here are a few tips that can help get you started on the right track:
- Write down what you do. Making a list of actions that you do in a particular day or week can give others a much clearer sense of what you actually do.
- Talk with someone who can serve as a sounding board. By hearing you talk about your role, someone outside of the situation can often interpret what you are doing and clarify the process and structure you’re using. Even just talking out loud to someone else can help clarify it in your own mind.
- Partner with people who are different from you. You need someone who can see things from a different perspective. They will generally be much more successful putting words to the process you use and communicating that process to others.
- As much as possible, try to be intentional and systematic in your actions so other people can copy your process.
Bob,
This is fantastic. As an intuitive, I have valued understanding that right about 70% of the population are not intuitive! I’ve learned that whether I am facilitating a small relational environment or teaching to larger groups, my abstract, intuitive perspective is not connecting with about 70% of people who are saying-tell me something concrete, simple, clear and next step oriented. An intuitive leaders spiritual/relational capital will give grace for followers to keep on following even if they don’t know what’s next, but we shouldn’t bank on that as the long term solution. Great practical helps here.
I agree. I have also found that the intuitive leader has more freedom to be creative and respond when a solid framework or structure is present. A solid rhythm or structure gives more freedom to create… not less.
Even if we are pushing the boundaries, how can we think outside of the box if we don’t know what the box is?
This was a helpful posting for me. In my coaching with Bob, I discovered that I am high on the intuitive side of leadership. I need to continue to remind myself to help others see how I’ve reached a decision by walking them through the process I’ve been through. I don’t often think in terms of processes, but when I look closer, they are there- I just need to spell them out so others can follow along better. Thanks for this post.
Slowing down to articulate the principles and processes that led you to a decision is very important. Intuitive leaders need to explain the rationale. It not only develops other people, it also helps protect from jumping to the wrong conclusion.