In my previous blog, I shared a moment when my intuition told me something wasn’t quite right before sending an important email. That ‘pause’—that subtle sense of unease—turned out to be my brain processing something faster than I could consciously articulate. ⏸️
This brings us to a deeper question: What is actually happening in our brains when we sense something before we can explain it? And how can we use this knowledge to become better leaders? 🧠
👀 Watch those mirror neurons! 💥
We often think of leadership as what we say and do, but equally important is what we subconsciously (or consciously!) project. Neuroscience tells us that our emotions and mental states are contagious, thanks to mirror neurons. These specialised brain cells cause us to unconsciously mimic the emotions and energy of those around us. If you are stressed, hesitant or overwhelmed, your team absorbs that. If you are calm, confident, and attuned, they will absorb that too. Your presence, energy, and emotional state create an atmosphere that others respond to, often without realising it.
⚖️ This unconscious transmission of emotional states links directly to the balance between sensing and thinking. When we operate solely from logic, we may dismiss the emotional undercurrents affecting both ourselves and our teams. But when we develop our ability to sense—picking up on subtle shifts in energy, nonverbal cues, or that intuitive ‘niggly feeling’—we create a more attuned and responsive leadership style. Sensing allows us to lead with awareness, rather than just intellect.
The ‘Gut Feeling’ is real 🌀
Our nervous system picks up subtle patterns before we consciously recognise them – so, as leaders, what do we want to do with this?
The brain processes information in two systems: the rational, analytical prefrontal cortex and the intuitive, pattern-recognising limbic system. The latter often notices discrepancies or risks before we can articulate them. This is why leaders who dismiss intuition in favour of pure logic risk missing important signals.
🎯 This is also why, in leadership, sensing isn’t a mystical ability—it’s the brain’s way of integrating unconscious cues into conscious decision-making. When we trust that instinct to pause, reflect, and assess a situation holistically, we allow our brains to fully process what logic alone might overlook.
Pause and reflect 🙏
Leadership isn’t only about data, analysis, or fast decision-making. It’s about knowing when to sense and being aware of what emotions you project. When to trust that internal voice telling you to hold back or move forward.
Just as I learned in my own career, giving yourself the space to pause and reflect can make the difference between a good decision and a great one. The next time something doesn’t feel quite right, resist the urge to dismiss it—your brain might be telling you something important. ⏸️
As I’m exploring this topic over the next few weeks, the next post will be about how you can develop and refine your ability to sense, ensuring you are making decisions from an inner place of clarity and balance.
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