Intuition plays a crucial role in many professional settings, particularly in roles that require quick decision-making, creative problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. When evaluating candidates for positions where intuition is important, it's essential to assess their ability to:

1. Make rapid, effective decisions based on limited information
2. Read and respond to subtle cues in interpersonal interactions
3. Identify patterns and trends that may not be immediately apparent
4. Trust their instincts while balancing them with analytical thinking

Intuition is particularly important in the following types of roles:

• Leadership positions
• Creative professions (e.g., designers, writers, artists)
• Customer service and sales
• Counseling and therapy
• Emergency responders
• Entrepreneurs and business strategists

When evaluating a candidate's intuition, look for:

• The ability to articulate their thought process behind intuitive decisions
• Examples of when their intuition led to positive outcomes
• Instances where they balanced intuition with analytical thinking
• Self-awareness about the strengths and limitations of their intuitive abilities
• Evidence of learning from both successful and unsuccessful intuitive decisions

By assessing a candidate's intuition through behavioral interview questions, you can gain valuable insights into their potential performance in roles that require this important skill.

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Interview Questions for Assessing Intuition:

• Tell me about a time when you had to make a quick decision with limited information. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?
• Describe a situation where you had a "gut feeling" about a person or situation that turned out to be correct. How did you act on that intuition?
• Can you share an experience where your intuition conflicted with data or others' opinions? How did you handle it?
• Tell me about a time when you sensed a problem brewing before it became apparent to others. What did you do?
• Describe a situation where you had to read between the lines to understand what someone really meant. How did you approach this?
• Have you ever had a strong intuitive feeling that turned out to be incorrect? What did you learn from that experience?
• Tell me about a time when you used your intuition to connect seemingly unrelated pieces of information to solve a problem.
• Describe a situation where you had to balance your intuition with analytical thinking. How did you approach this balance?
• Can you share an experience where you intuitively knew how to handle a difficult interpersonal situation?
• Tell me about a time when you had to trust your instincts in a high-pressure situation. What was the outcome?
• Tell me about a time when you used your intuition to guide a brainstorming session or creative process. What was the result?
• Describe a situation where you had to rely on your intuition to navigate a complex political or organizational dynamic.
• Can you share an experience where you used your intuition to identify a market trend or opportunity before it became widely recognized?
• Tell me about a time when you intuitively knew how to motivate or inspire a team member or colleague. What approach did you take?

FAQ

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Q: Why is intuition important in the workplace?A: Intuition is crucial for quick decision-making, problem-solving, and interpersonal interactions. It allows professionals to make effective choices with limited information and to pick up on subtle cues that may not be immediately apparent through analytical thinking alone.

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Q: Can intuition be developed or improved?A: Yes, intuition can be developed and improved over time. This can be done through gaining experience in a particular field, practicing mindfulness, reflecting on past decisions, and learning to recognize patterns and subtle cues in various situations.

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Q: How can I assess a candidate's intuition during an interview?A: Use behavioral interview questions that ask about past experiences where intuition played a role. Look for candidates who can articulate their thought processes, demonstrate self-awareness about their intuitive abilities, and show a balance between intuition and analytical thinking.

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Q: Is intuition more important in some roles than others?A: Yes, intuition is particularly important in roles that require quick decision-making, creativity, and strong interpersonal skills. These include leadership positions, creative professions, customer service, counseling, emergency response, and entrepreneurship.

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Q: Can relying too much on intuition be problematic?A: While intuition is valuable, over-relying on it can lead to biased or hasty decisions. It's important to balance intuition with analytical thinking and to be aware of potential biases that may influence intuitive judgments.

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Would you like a complete interview plan that has Intuition as a key competency? Sign up for Yardstick for free to get started.

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