Intuition vs. Strategic Analysis: A Personal Perspective

When it comes to solving problems, the line between using strategic analysis and intuitive thinking can be blurry. As an individual who has been identified as an INTP type, I find both methods valuable in their own right. This essay delves into my personal experiences, exploring when and how I apply each approach to reach optimal solutions.

The Importance of Strategic Analysis in Decision Making

Strategic analysis plays a crucial role, especially in areas like financial and bookkeeping, where there is no room for guesswork or emotional biases. In such matters, relying solely on intuition can lead to significant errors. For instance, when dealing with money matters, purely analytical and strategic consideration is necessary. It is essential to calculate and analyze all possible outcomes before making a decision. Financial decisions must be based on facts and evidence, ensuring that the chosen path is not just logical but also financially sound.

The Role of Intuition in Everyday Life

While strategic analysis is vital in certain contexts, my daily life is riddled with situations where intuition shines. Intuitive thinking allows me to navigate through complex scenarios quickly and effectively, often leading to faster and more efficient solutions. In situations that are less structured and more abstract, my ability to think intuitively has often proven to be a valuable asset.

A Personal Example: A Detour in the Workplace

One significant incident that comes to mind occurred in 2020. I was given a temporary assignment when my colleague was on maternity leave. Initially, my intention was to help temporarily and return to my original role. However, my intuition guided me to notice something amiss in the atmosphere. My instincts suggested that there was more to the situation than met the eye. My colleague, who had replaced a pregnant woman, was being treated unfairly and with jealousy.

In response, I decided to write a letter to her, expressing my intentions clearly and affirming my ethical stance. Here is a portion of the letter:

Hi XXXX…
Only to clarify my assignment here with the company I worked for: I came here to help you during your pregnancy leave. I never intended to stay forever or take over your job! That is completely against my ethical conviction! This is the third time I do this, and the first one took nine months, the second one 25 months, and yours about 6 months. When I had my interview with X…, the boss, she wanted me to promise that I would not leave until YOU are back safely.

Despite my attempts to be transparent and honest, the woman I replaced continued her malicious behavior. Her jealousy and hatred culminated in her spreading falsehoods about me, leading to my dismissal. The letter I had written, especially the section about my refusal to take over a role permanently, proved to be a powerful tool. My intuition did not fail me, as the events unfolded exactly as I had anticipated.

Combining Intuition and Strategic Analysis

While strategic analysis and intuitive thinking serve different purposes, the ideal scenario is to combine both. My experience illustrates that there are instances where intuition alone can lead to sound decisions, but strategic thinking is necessary to ensure that those decisions are logically and factually supported. In money matters, for example, strategic analysis is crucial. However, in other areas of my life, intuition plays a key role in guiding my decisions.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the balance between intuition and strategic analysis depends on the situation. By recognizing the strengths and limitations of each approach, we can navigate life's challenges more effectively. My personal experiences have taught me that both methods are important, and the key is to use them in tandem, leveraging the best of both worlds to arrive at optimal solutions.