Why Honing in on Intuition is Better Than Relying on Assumption

In a world flooded with data, deadlines, and demands, the ability to make sharp decisions can be a superpower. But have you ever paused to consider what truly shapes those decisions?

Many leaders and everyday people operate from two powerful yet very different places: intuition and assumption.

At first glance, they may seem similar. After all, both are internal responses to a situation. But one asks questions and stays curious. The other closes the door too soon. And that difference could make or break your progress, your project, or even your purpose.

 Intuition Seeks; Assumption Settles

As Mark Cole shared in one of the Maxwell Leadership Podcast episode on “The Value of Contextual Leadership,” one standout idea is this: 

 “An intuition still looks for context, looks for information… knows there’s something there. An assumption, however, believes there is no more information and therefore doesn’t ask.”

This truth is powerful.

Intuition says:

“Something doesn’t fully add up. I need to dig deeper.” It thrives on curiosity. It leaves room for insight. It wants to validate and confirm.

Assumption says: 

 “I already know what this is about. Case closed.” It shuts down curiosity. It makes premature conclusions. It resists being questioned.

 Why Intuition Wins in Leadership and Life

Whether you’re a professional navigating tough calls, a leader navigating through crisis, a parent raising curious kids, or an entrepreneur betting on a new idea, intuition serves you better because it: 

• Keeps you open to context. You stay adaptable rather than rigid.

• Encourages you to ask better questions. And better questions lead to better solutions. 

• Taps into your inner wisdom and lived experience. This is where your instincts and insight combine powerfully. 

• Fuels learning and growth. Intuition isn’t perfect but it often nudges you toward discovery. 

The Problem With Assumptions

Assumptions aren’t always wrong but they are always risky. They often stem from past experiences or unchallenged narratives. The danger? They become shortcuts to understanding without context. And in a fast-changing world, that shortcut can be a trap.

How many misunderstandings, missed opportunities, or mistakes have stemmed from an unchallenged assumption? 

Photo by Dawid Zawiła on Unsplash

So, What Should You Do?

Here are a few guiding questions to help you lean into intuition instead of falling into assumption: 

• What am I sensing beneath the surface? 

• Is there more information I haven’t considered? 

• What question am I avoiding because I think I already know the answer? 

• Is this a conclusion or just a convenient closure?

When your intuition speaks, it’s worth listening. Not blindly but intentionally. It’s your mind’s way of whispering, “Look again. There’s something here.”

Final Thought:

In life and leadership, never stop asking.

Let intuition lead you to explore the unseen, ask the hard questions, and validate what feels unresolved. Because where assumption builds walls, intuition opens doors.

Over to You: 

What’s a time when your intuition helped you dig deeper and you were glad you did? Or, when did an assumption cost you clarity? Let’s grow through reflection. Share your thoughts below.