Decisive Intuition by Rick Snyder

Last updated: Aug 12, 2023

Summary of Decisive Intuition by Rick Snyder

Decisive Intuition by Rick Snyder is a groundbreaking book that explores the power of intuition in decision-making. Snyder argues that intuition is not a mystical or magical ability, but rather a skill that can be developed and honed through practice.

The book begins by debunking common misconceptions about intuition, such as the belief that it is purely based on gut feelings or guesswork. Snyder explains that intuition is actually a combination of unconscious processing, pattern recognition, and emotional intelligence.

Snyder introduces the concept of "intuitive intelligence," which he defines as the ability to access and utilize the vast amount of information stored in our unconscious minds. He explains that our unconscious mind is constantly processing information and making connections that our conscious mind may not be aware of.

The author provides numerous real-life examples and case studies to illustrate the power of intuition in decision-making. He shows how successful individuals and organizations have used intuitive intelligence to make better choices and achieve greater success.

Snyder also outlines a practical framework for developing and harnessing intuition. He introduces the "Intuitive Compass," a four-step process that helps individuals tap into their intuitive intelligence. The steps include: clarifying the decision, gathering information, interpreting the information, and integrating intuition with analysis.

The book emphasizes the importance of balancing intuition with analysis. Snyder argues that relying solely on intuition or analysis can lead to biased or incomplete decision-making. He advocates for a holistic approach that combines both intuitive and analytical thinking.

Decisive Intuition also addresses common obstacles to intuitive decision-making, such as fear, doubt, and cognitive biases. Snyder provides strategies and techniques for overcoming these obstacles and cultivating a more intuitive mindset.

In conclusion, Decisive Intuition is a comprehensive guide to understanding and harnessing the power of intuition in decision-making. It offers practical tools and insights for individuals and organizations looking to improve their decision-making processes and achieve greater success.

1. The Power of Intuition

In "Decisive Intuition," Rick Snyder explores the concept of intuition and its significance in decision-making. He emphasizes that intuition is not a mystical or magical power but rather a natural ability that we all possess. Intuition is our subconscious mind processing vast amounts of information and experiences to provide us with insights and gut feelings. By tapping into our intuition, we can make better decisions and navigate through uncertainty.

Snyder provides practical techniques to develop and harness our intuition. He suggests paying attention to our body's physical sensations and emotions when making decisions, as they often provide valuable clues. Additionally, he encourages us to practice mindfulness and meditation to quiet our minds and create space for intuitive insights to emerge. By embracing and trusting our intuition, we can enhance our decision-making abilities and lead more fulfilling lives.

2. The Role of Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in decision-making, as highlighted in "Decisive Intuition." Snyder explains that emotions are not obstacles to rational thinking but rather valuable sources of information. Our emotions provide us with signals about what truly matters to us and can guide us towards making decisions aligned with our values and goals.

Snyder suggests that we should not ignore or suppress our emotions when making decisions. Instead, we should acknowledge and explore them to gain deeper insights into our desires and motivations. By developing emotional intelligence, we can better understand ourselves and others, leading to more informed and empathetic decision-making. This understanding allows us to navigate complex situations with greater clarity and make choices that align with our authentic selves.

3. Overcoming Decision-Making Biases

One of the key takeaways from "Decisive Intuition" is the importance of overcoming decision-making biases. Snyder explains that biases, such as confirmation bias and availability bias, can cloud our judgment and lead to suboptimal decisions. He provides strategies to counteract these biases and make more objective choices.

Snyder suggests seeking out diverse perspectives and actively challenging our own assumptions. By considering multiple viewpoints and gathering a range of information, we can reduce the influence of biases and make more well-rounded decisions. Additionally, he encourages us to question our initial judgments and explore alternative possibilities. By consciously working to overcome biases, we can improve the quality of our decision-making and avoid falling into common cognitive traps.

4. The Power of Intuitive Listening

"Decisive Intuition" emphasizes the importance of intuitive listening, which involves paying attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues when communicating with others. Snyder explains that intuitive listening allows us to gain deeper insights into people's thoughts, emotions, and intentions, enabling us to make more accurate assessments and build stronger relationships.

Snyder provides practical techniques to enhance intuitive listening, such as maintaining eye contact, observing body language, and listening for subtle changes in tone or energy. By honing our intuitive listening skills, we can better understand others' perspectives, build trust, and make more informed decisions in our interactions and collaborations.

5. The Value of Intuitive Problem-Solving

In "Decisive Intuition," Snyder highlights the power of intuitive problem-solving. He explains that our intuition can guide us towards creative and innovative solutions by tapping into our subconscious knowledge and experiences.

Snyder suggests embracing a more intuitive approach to problem-solving by allowing ourselves to explore unconventional ideas and solutions. He encourages us to trust our instincts and take calculated risks, even if they deviate from traditional or logical thinking. By combining rational analysis with intuitive insights, we can unlock new possibilities and find breakthrough solutions to complex problems.

6. The Importance of Intuitive Leadership

Snyder emphasizes the role of intuitive leadership in "Decisive Intuition." He argues that leaders who tap into their intuition can make more effective decisions, inspire their teams, and navigate through uncertainty with confidence.

Snyder suggests that intuitive leaders should cultivate self-awareness and emotional intelligence to better understand their own strengths, weaknesses, and values. By trusting their intuition and encouraging their teams to do the same, leaders can create a culture that values diverse perspectives and fosters innovation. Intuitive leaders also embrace ambiguity and adaptability, allowing them to make agile decisions in rapidly changing environments.

7. The Connection Between Intuition and Creativity

"Decisive Intuition" explores the strong connection between intuition and creativity. Snyder explains that intuition can unlock our creative potential by allowing us to tap into our subconscious mind and access novel ideas and insights.

Snyder suggests that we can enhance our creative abilities by cultivating a mindset of curiosity and openness. By embracing uncertainty and exploring different perspectives, we can break free from conventional thinking and generate innovative solutions. Additionally, he encourages us to trust our intuitive flashes of inspiration and give ourselves permission to take creative risks. By integrating intuition and creativity, we can unleash our full imaginative potential and bring fresh ideas to life.

8. The Continuous Development of Intuition

"Decisive Intuition" emphasizes that intuition is not a fixed trait but rather a skill that can be developed and refined over time. Snyder encourages us to continuously cultivate our intuition through practice and self-reflection.

Snyder suggests incorporating mindfulness and meditation into our daily routines to quiet our minds and create space for intuitive insights to emerge. He also recommends seeking feedback from others and reflecting on our decision-making processes to identify areas for improvement. By actively working on developing our intuition, we can enhance our decision-making abilities and lead more fulfilling and purposeful lives.