Strategic Intuition: The Creative Spark in Human Achievement

by William Duggan

How "Aha!" really happens.

When do you get your best ideas? You probably answer "At night," or "In the shower," or "Stuck in traffic." You get a flash of insight. Things come together in your mind. You connect the dots. You say to yourself, "Aha! I see what to do." Brain science now reveals how these flashes of insight happen. It's a special form of intuition. We call it strategic intuition, because it gives you an idea for action-a strategy.

Brain science tells us there are three kinds of ordinary, expert, and strategic. Ordinary intuition is just a feeling, a gut instinct. Expert intuition is snap judgments, when you instantly recognize something familiar, the way a tennis pro knows where the ball will go from the arc and speed of the opponent's racket. (Malcolm Gladwell wrote about this kind of intuition in Blink .) The third kind, strategic intuition, is not a vague feeling, like ordinary intuition. Strategic intuition is a clear thought. And it's not fast, like expert intuition. It's slow. That flash of insight you had last night might solve a problem that's been on your mind for a month. And it doesn't happen in familiar situations, like a tennis match. Strategic intuition works in new situations. That's when you need it most.

Everyone knows you need creative thinking, or entrepreneurial thinking, or innovative thinking, or strategic thinking to succeed in the modern world. All these kinds of thinking happen through flashes of insight—strategic intuition. And now that we know how it works, you can learn to do it better. That's what this book is about.

Over the past ten years, William Duggan has conducted pioneering research on strategic intuition and for the past three years has taught a popular course at Columbia Business School on the subject. He now gives us this eye-opening book that shows how strategic intuition lies at the heart of great achievements throughout human the scientific and computer revolutions, women's suffrage, the civil rights movement, modern art, microfinance in poor countries, and more. Considering the achievements of people and organizations, from Bill Gates to Google, Copernicus to Martin Luther King, Picasso to Patton, you'll never think the same way about strategy again.

Three kinds of strategic ideas apply to human

* Strategic analysis, where you study the situation you face
* Strategic intuition, where you get a creative idea for what to do
* Strategic planning, where you work out the details of how to do it.

There is no shortage of books about strategic analysis and strategic planning. This new book by William Duggan is the first full treatment of strategic intuition. It's the missing piece of the strategy puzzle that makes essential reading for anyone interested in achieving more in any field of human endeavor.

Genres: Business, Psychology, Nonfiction, Business Strategy, Management

176 pages, Hardcover

Published October 18, 2007

Reviews

[April · Rating 2 out of 5]

I saw the author give a talk based on this book (and his earlier one, Napoleon's Glance) last week. It was a stimulating talk - I won't recap, since you can read the book blurb online. But in the end, I didn't feel there was enough insight to make me want to read the book. If you are intrigued by the author's ideas on how social organization and institutions influence innovation - I'd say read Hayek first. If you want to understand the internal processes and foundations of human creativity, I'd recommend Mihalyi Czikszentmihalyi's book "Creativity".

[Marcelo Bahia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book. Its central concept is to try to develop a standard framework for thinking about the right & creative decisions when facing unfamiliar situations, especially in the workplace.

The framework itself is utterly simple but really effective. It may look a little obvious for some senior professionals who are used to decision making under uncommon circunstances, but the formalization is done in such a clear and systematic way that it will probably be useful and improve effectiveness even for the more experienced ones.

However, this is not a step-by-step guide on the concept presented. The book has a simple structure: it starts with a short description of what the author defines as "strategic intuition", then immediately follows with examples of it from various fields up to the end of the book. Gjven these 2 parts (with the second one much larger than the first), to be honest I really missed a more gradual and detailed "how to" discussion on the actual implementation of the concept. Of course you can partially derive and reflect about the implementation on your own and with the help of the examples provided, but I still think that the average reader is left more "abandoned" than it should. For me it even feels that the author doesn't seem to care much about being a good guide.

I would complement my suggestion of extending the 1st part with another one: to partially trim the 2nd part (and therefore keep the book at the same size!). The author gave some interesting examples, but in my opinion most of them were all saying the same thing, with the next one really not adding much value to the previous one. Some of them are clearly unnecessary.

Despite the fact that these 2 criticisms & suggestions took half of my review, my overall view of the book is still very positive. The concept is useful and with interesting insights, writing is clear and the book is a not long one after all. It's definitely a recommended investment of your time & money.

[John of Canada]

I may give it another chance because I am such a nice guy, but his constant reminders that he was a scholar got on my nerves.

[Fred Leland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book a lot. The authors premise is that strategic intuition is based in Carl von Clausewitz's definition of coup d'oeil, strike of the eye. A glance, or flash of insight the describes as the key to strategy. This ability must be created and nurtured and balanced by expert intuition gain from the experience of an individual and strategic intuition based on experience combined with a focused effort to learn from history.

"This facile coup d'oeil of the General, this simple art of forming notions, this personification of the whole action of War, is so entirely and completely the soul of the right method of conducting War, that no other but this broad way is it possible to conceive that freedom of the mind which is indispensable if it is to dominate events, not be overpowered by them." ` Carl von Clausewitz

The book uses examples from military history, the business world and social science to define what strategic intuition is and explains how to obtain it.

I highly recommend this book as it opened my eyes to a more balanced approach towards implicit and explicit decision making, How they are actually connected to developing sound strategy and deciding under pressure.

[Stefan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoiler alert: The intuition is not your gut feeling, it's a trained ability through previous experiences that have an automatic response. And me thinking that I'm turning into a prophetic guru. :)

[Patricia Almeida · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a pearl. Insightful, consilient and engaging. 

It walks us through the demystification of the brain-left side of the brain. It walks us through the why and how the word strategy entered the English language in 1810 (also the year in which Carl von Clausewitz became a scholar of strategy) - not coincidentally the year in which Napoleon was at the height of his military success, ranking the most successful battlefield general in recorded history. His enemies started studying him, to see how he won, so they could defeat him. And so began the scholarly study of strategy. And also the implications of the books then written to the concept of strategy itself:- On War (1832) from Carl von Clausewitz and - Summary of the Art of War (1838) from Antoine-Henri Jomini
To Von Clausewitz, the outcome of a war depends on what happens during the war, which in turn depends on the general's coup d'oeil. Ie, you cannot predict the outcome beforehand. To Jomini, (military) strategy is about 3 basic steps: 1) you figure out where you are (point A); 2) then you decide where you want to be (point b); and 3) then you make a plan to get from point A to point B. You may recognise this as strategy engaged by companies these days. Jomini tells you to pick your desired objective and match toward it. Von Clausewitz tells you to wait for the decisive point when a combination of past examples can achieve worthy goals. Jomini tells you to control the flow. Von Clausewitz tells you to go with the flow.  Strategic intuition comes in four steps: examples from the past: your experience and everyone else); presence of mind: clearing the mind of all expectations and previous ideas of what you might do or even what your goal; the flash of insight itself: in a free mind selected elements from various past examples come together in a new combination; andresolution: means resolve, determination, will. You not only see what to do: you also are ready to do it. The flash of insight carries with it the force of action that propels you forward.These four elements apply to all fields of human endeavour, not just military strategy.

And so much more.

[Sói · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sách tên Trực Giác Chiến Lược nhưng trực giác ở đây không phải là trực giác như bạn vẫn hiểu. Trực giác ở đây lại là sự kết hợp của những kiến thức hoặc kinh nghiệm tích lũy sẵn trong đầu và một tia chớp lóe sáng, mà theo mình hiểu là giây phút giác ngộ =)))). Bài học rút ra là không có cái trực giác nào trên đời khiến cho bạn làm được gì bùng nổ nếu bạn không có sẵn một nền tảng tốt. Vậy nên, chuyện quan trọng là phải tạo cho mình càng nhiều kiến thức và kinh nghiệm càng tốt, càng xây dựng nền tảng vững chắc thì cái cơ hội hiếm hoi mà tia chớp lóe sáng kia xuất hiện trong đời bạn mới càng có hy vọng xảy ra. Túm lại là có học có khôn chứ đời hiếm có cái gì tự nhiên =))).

Mấy chương đầu tưởng đâu không phải sách gu mình, lỡ dấn thân thì cố cho xong nhưng hoá ra đến chương 8 lại được nghe kể câu chuyện quá thú vị. Về việc phụ nữ Mỹ giành quyền bầu cử như thế nào từ trực giác chiến lược (thu thập những hiểu biết trong quá khứ + tia chớp nhận thức) đã thành công ra sao. Có một đoạn mình rất thích khi nói về việc người phụ nữ đầu tiên có công trong việc đấu tranh giành quyền bầu cử đã không thành công như thế nào. Nhưng bà không làm gì sai, và bởi con đường của bà tạo bước đệm để người sau này có được kinh nghiệm và đi đến thành công. Chuyện đó không mang ý nghĩa bà thất bại. Và mọi thứ bà làm đã tạo được nền tảng cho cơ hội của tia chớp nhận thức kia xuất hiện với người sau đó để họ thành công.

Tuy vậy, trừ hai chương nói về phụ nữ và người da đen đấu tranh thì còn lại mình thấy cứ cliche thế nào ấy. =))

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful look at the importance of "Coup d'Oeuil"-style strategic insights. Includes a few useful cases and some general guidance on how to foster this kind of strategy. Emphasizes importance of understanding, combining, and adapting previously-encountered situations. Makes a strong argument against linear planning towards a predetermined goal or outcome and instead demonstrates the strategic value of recognizing and seizing opportunity.

[Steven Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific short read that adds well to previous literature on leadership, intuition, and decision-making from Gary Klein and Malcolm Gladwell. A reminder that when presented with unique situations or an especially complex problem, that you need to take a little longer to "trust your gut."

[Ruth Santana Valencia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un libro interesante donde se mezcla historia, administración y lo holístico.

De fácil lectura, no lr encontré el lado para llevarlo a la práctica pero si interesante.

[Pavel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read book!

It is very inspiring book that changes the way one thinks about how things happen. It touches, so many different fields, so it is a good fit for everyone.

[Navin Valrani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting concept but Duggan's attack on the traditional thinking of strategy went too far.

[Vania Chaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite professors and one of the best classes I've taken at Columbia Business School. Very interesting and insightful class. Great professor and great class!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read - take concentration and paying attention and something to take notes with!

Interesting ideas!

[Roman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Influencing

It has influenced my perspective
And it brought some new reflections
Quite comprehensive and it references to many different sources

[Adriana Arreola · Rating 5 out of 5]

great contents

I love the way it takes you from history to the present times and gives clear examples of how strategic intuition works.

[Laila · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good starting point to study the science of strategy.

[Sean Cunningham · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thank my good friend, Dan Winter, for recommending this short book. I enjoyed it, and appreciated reading it.

Steven Johnson treated a similar subject in Where Good Ideas Come From, which is a 5-star work in my opinion.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating guide to generating innovation

Management professor William Duggan has written a book that’s rare in several ways. First, his clear writing makes complex concepts accessible. Even more importantly, Duggan synthesizes perspectives from an array of traditions to explain how to change the way you understand and use strategic thinking. He convincingly argues that most books on strategy and strategic planning are wrong, and then he presents an alternative approach that builds on modern neuroscience and historian Thomas Kuhn’s theories of scientific revolution. Duggan illustrates his concepts by discussing innovators in several fields. He combines scholarship with candor to provide specific steps for developing your intuition and using it strategically. The book isn’t perfect – the discussion of education is a bit too brief and the conclusion is rushed – but it is highly useful. getAbstract recommends it to leaders who are responsible for planning, and to anyone interested in innovation.

[Leader Summaries · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desde Leader Summaries recomendamos la lectura del libro Intuición estratégica, de William Duggan.
Las personas interesadas en las siguientes temáticas lo encontrarán práctico y útil: liderazgo, estrategia y modelos de negocio, técnicas de creatividad.
En el siguiente enlace tienes el resumen del libro Intuición estratégica, Cómo utilizar el pensamiento no lineal para generar estrategias innovadoras exitosas: Intuición estratégica

[JP · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is insightful and concise. It compliments several others that make up a new genre of cross-disciplinary explorations about psychology and economic impact. I appreciated how Duggan conveys a distinctive type of intuition, one that comes from connecting other epiphanies into a new, unrelated result - and that he did it so concisely that it can be read in a two-hour flight. It takes a special insight to connect Napoleon, Buddha, and Bill Gates. That's the whole point.

[Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever have a time where you couldn't find an answer to a problem? Then, sometime later, it just hits you as to what the solution was or is? That's what this book is all about. In a sense it's almost an exact opposite of the expert intuition described in "Blink". Very fascinating read for any interested in developing themselves further.

[Tom Armstrong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strategic Intuition makes you think, and it lays out some interesting ideas. At times, some of the stories felt like Duggan needed to fill a page minimum or something. This might have been better suited to a long paper/article as opposed to a book. Overall, though, worth reading and thinking about.

[Max Moore · Rating 2 out of 5]

95% of the book is summarized with this single quote:

In expert intuition you draw on what is in your mind about similar situations, while in strategic intuition you draw together selected elements from different situations in a new combination.

The rest of the book is basically filled with numerous examples illustrating that single observation.

[Halldór Thorgeirsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had major impact on me and gave me insights into how strategic intuition works. I find the analysis credible at least from my own perspective. I encourage anyone interested in strategic work to take the time to read this book and to reflect on its content.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book it challenges how you have thought about intuition before describing it as a high valuable skill for business. "Strategic Intuition" gives you a whole new perspective to business strategy. If you are an intuitive person or not but are doing your MBA you should read it.

[Denise · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yawn. Audiobook, writing a little dry, but the reader killed it. I kept checking how much longer and finally just couldn't stand it and moved on. I very rarely put a book down without finishing it.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am just getting into this book. There are a few claims that I am probably not in agreement with. Maybe I will see things differently when I am finished

I don't see things differently.I think his premise is valid as to the value of strategic intuition, just not to the exclusion of everything else

[Prateek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great input for strategy buffs

Very good elaboration of how strategic intuition works and drives extraordinary outputs from ordinary people and what influenced their strategic intuition.

[James Fridley]

Interesting book. Worth an read