In building intuition, three foundational elements are essential: productive experience, imagination, and empathy. But what happens when only one element is developed? Our first example is the Experiencer—a person who relies heavily on their own experience to navigate situations. Let’s explore how this style impacts mental health and decision-making in management.
The Experiencer
The Experiencer trusts personal experience above all else. By drawing from their own past situations, they are able to quickly identify patterns and apply familiar solutions. Productive experience allows them to learn from mistakes, analyze past decisions, and build confidence in their approach. This continuous self-monitoring and learning is a strong foundation for intuition development.
Strengths of the Experiencer
Experiencers are often reliable and steady, grounded in methods they know have worked before. They’re less prone to impulsive decisions, leaning on proven approaches. This can create a stable environment in the workplace, fostering mental well-being through consistency and predictability.
Weaknesses of the Experiencer
However, Experiencers may struggle with uncertainty. They tend to see the world in a “black and white” framework, which can limit adaptability in unfamiliar situations. Without varied perspectives, they may find it difficult to understand others’ emotions or embrace innovative solutions. When they encounter new challenges, they prefer to seek advice from someone with direct experience rather than engaging in creative problem-solving.
The Experiencer’s approach is practical, but it can be restrictive if over-relied upon. For managers, understanding the limitations of this style helps in balancing intuition with empathy and imagination for well-rounded, mentally healthy leadership. While experience is a key part of intuition, nurturing flexibility and an open mindset is vital to adapt in a complex, uncertain world.
