The Intuitive Compass: Why the Best Decisions Balance Reason and Instinct

by Francis Cholle

A dynamic new way to understand intuition, already implemented around the world at top companies and business schools Neuroscience shows that instinct has a leading role in complex decision-making, yet imaginative play is the most direct means of activating our creativity and problem-solving abilities. Based on over 20 years of Cholle's wide-ranging professional experience and insights, The Intuitive Compass offers a fascinating new approach to innovative problem-solving, decision-making, and sustainable value creation. Through a concept known as Intuitive Intelligence, Cholle shows how anyone can improve creative brainpower by harnessing the balance between reason and instinct.

Explores the tension between linear efficiency and random play, and the synergy between reason and instinct Helps us realize our natural tendencies to think holistically, think paradoxically, notice the unusual, or lead by influence Shows these tenets in action through case studies of the luxury house Hermes, Paris; Google and its paradoxical work culture; Virgin America, and its ability to notice the unusual about what matters for consumers and exert leadership in its industry The Intuitive Compass shows how to thrive within chaos and offers actionable information for reinventing our path to sustainable success.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology

254 pages, Hardcover

First published September 2, 2011

Reviews

[Martin Bihl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please see my review at: http://the-agency-review.com/intuitiv...

[Isabeau Iqbal · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a book I skim-read because I wasn't that interested in the details in the case studies. For my level of interest, I probably would have been fine with just checking out the website and information there (which I will do as a follow up).

[Tucker · Rating 3 out of 5]

The continua of "reason and instinct" and "play and results" are displayed as intersecting lines, and the reader is encouraged to place themselves somewhere in each quadrant. In common assumptions, reason is often paired with results, and instinct is often paired with play, so it's easy to think of examples of these. It's a little trickier to think of combinations of reason and play (say, a mathematician doodling in the margins before coming up with something brilliant) or instinct and results (say, a salesperson who relies on instinct to form good customer relationships and ultimately cares about making the sale).

"...breakthroughs must disrupt the logic of what we know; because they bring new knowledge, breakthroughs can come only from parts unknown to the unconscious mind, and therefore unknown to reason. So breakthroughs--even the most intellectual and sophisticated ones--can manifest only at times when we disengage from what we know and from what we understand logically. Again, this is why play is so crucial: it disconnects us from reason and logic and opens us up to new and different thoughts we wouldn't otherwise have access to." (p. 8)

[Wendy Gibbins-Lekkou · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with the theories in this book. Even if you practice these theories without being aware of them I truly find the explanation helpful so that the process of creativity can be tapped into at our will.

Of course everything is a balance but awareness is very helpful.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather refreshing, actionable and practical read i deserved. Expansive and grounded in theories and cases that are useful. Great for the individual, team and organisational strategy. The most promising book about how to marry logic and intuition for business! :)