When the rubber meets the road and you aren’t sure of the way forward, this technique will guide you.
In 2005, Steve Jobs delivered a commencement speech at Stanford University that quickly became legendary. He left the crowd with a powerful piece of advice:
Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition
Steve Jobs was one of those entrepreneurs known for his ability to trust his instincts in making bold decisions. But what does it really mean to follow your heart and intuition in business? And how can this advice shape the way leaders influence others?
Trust Your Intuition in Decision-Making
Leaders are constantly faced with difficult decisions; I know I am–daily. While data and analytics give us valuable insights, they can’t capture everything. Sometimes, gut feelings–your intuition–are the most reliable guides. Think of it as that inner compass when the road ahead is unclear. Steve Jobs trusted his intuition when he pursued a vision for Apple that others couldn’t see at the time. My advice is to lean on your own intuition. That means learning to listen to it. Think about it: when facing the unknown, all your experiences, failures, and lessons learned from the school of hard knocks will guide you forward. And intuition is the mechanism behind it. Tip for leaders: If something feels right or wrong, trust your instincts and take the time to explore your gut feelings as part of your decision-making process.
Embrace your unique path
Jobs’ advice to follow your heart is about staying true to yourself. Many leaders fall into the trap of trying to emulate others or conforming to someone else’s standards. While learning from the best is crucial, it’s also important to chart your own path. Your heart often knows what truly excites you. When you pursue work that aligns with your passions and values, it’s easier to lead with purpose and authenticity. Tip for leaders: Take time to reflect on what truly motivates you. Align your business or leadership style with your values and passions, and don’t be afraid to break away from the herd.
Be courageous in the face of doubt
One of the hardest parts about following your heart and intuition is that it often requires immense courage. It’s easy to doubt yourself, especially when others don’t understand your vision or when you face criticism. However, as Jobs demonstrated, the greatest innovations often come from ideas that initially seem unconventional. Whether you’re launching a new product, trying a different leadership style, or pursuing a bold new business strategy, having the courage to push through self-doubt can set you apart. Embrace uncertainty as part of the journey and have confidence in your decisions, especially when your passion and intuition guide them. Surround yourself with a supportive team that believes in your vision, even when it’s hard to see the immediate payoff.
Set the example for others
As a leader, it’s awesome to encourage your team to trust their own instincts. This can really help foster creativity and innovation. Instead of micromanaging or demanding rigid adherence to processes, create an environment where people feel empowered to take risks and follow their own ideas. By promoting a culture where heart and intuition are valued, you’ll likely inspire bold moves and out-of-the-box thinking from your team–just as Jobs did at Apple.
Tip for leaders: Encourage team members to explore their passions and intuition, especially during brainstorming sessions or when tackling big projects. Let them know it’s okay to take risks and learn from failures. Steve Jobs’ advice is not just about making feel-good decisions–it’s a call to action for leaders to trust themselves, pursue their passions, and cultivate innovation. For leaders willing to trust themselves and their instincts, the rewards can be transformative.
