My son is a high school senior and in the process of deciding where he wants to earn his undergraduate degree. We spent the last couple of months visiting college campuses so he could experience schools in the dead of winter, meet other potential students and learn more about what these universities had to offer. Going to college is a transformative experience—and we wanted him to be comfortable with and confident in his decision.
In February, we visited four campuses in four states. One of those trips was to Burlington, where I luckily had the opportunity to revisit my alma mater. Even though it’s been 35 years since I left, the emotions came rushing back. I remember going through the same experience my son is going through now, visiting my senior year and leaving with a gut feeling that this was my place, that I belonged there.
I learned a long time ago to trust that instinct, and it has served me well over the years. But these recent adventures got me wondering about the why behind it. What creates that feeling, and why do some people have a stronger sense of it than others? When should you listen to it and, better yet, how do you factor it into your decision-making, whether in your personal or professional life?
In most cases, the gut feeling results from a combination of things, and often, a person can’t quite put their finger on exactly what it is, but the feeling is strong.
Here’s what might be contributing to that sensation:
Emotional resonance
The atmosphere, people and overall culture—whether at a university, a startup or an enterprise brand—can elicit an emotional response that feels right. A multitude of factors can influence, enhance or subtract from that atmosphere: staff friendliness, the aesthetics of the campus or office, the authenticity of the interactions, and even the pride represented by students or employees.
Visual appeal
First impressions are significant, and the visual appeal of a brand—logo, color palette, iconography—or the physical location itself can play a big role in how you feel about it, creating a sense of place that can be unforgettable. It’s why big tech brands and others have invested so many resources into building beautiful campuses, and why the lush green of Eugene or the backdrop of mountains in Boulder connect with so many students and people.
Alignment with values and goals
If a college or company reflects your personal values or goals, you might experience a sense of belonging or rightness. This could be due to a mission statement, the behavior of the people you encounter or the programs and opportunities afforded to you. The opposite can also be true—a conservative or liberal environment might alienate someone and prevent them from feeling like they belong.
Social connection
Seeing potential peers whose interests align with yours and with whom you can imagine building relationships can spark a feeling of connection and community, enhancing that gut feeling. This can manifest in company culture or how school spirit and clubs are presented. Does it give you a sense of belonging or anxiety?
Intuitive decision-making
Sometimes, your subconscious processes information faster than your conscious mind, leading to intuitive decisions or feelings. Your brain might be picking up on subtle cues and details that align with your desires or expectations, leading to a strong gut feeling.
Expectations and preconceptions
Your prior research, expectations and a company’s or university’s reputation can influence your perception and feelings. Positive expectations can enhance your experience, contributing to that gut feeling.
Psychological fit
The sense of comfort, safety and belonging you feel on a campus or in a corporate environment can significantly influence your gut feeling. This includes how well you can see yourself fitting in with the academic environment, social scene and overall culture.
Trusting one’s gut feelings can be useful in various business contexts, especially when it comes to making quick decisions based on intuition and experience. Here are some examples of where listening to gut feelings can be beneficial:
New business ventures
When considering new business opportunities or ventures, your gut feeling can provide valuable insights that data and analysis may not capture. It can help you assess a new venture’s potential risks and rewards based on your instincts and past experiences.
Recruitment
During the hiring process, listening to your gut feeling about a candidate can sometimes uncover traits or qualities that may not be evident on a resume or during an interview. Your intuition can help you gauge whether a candidate will be a good cultural fit for your organization.
Business strategy decisions
In high-pressure situations where quick decisions are required, trusting your gut feeling can help you make a decision when there is not enough time to analyze all the data thoroughly. Your intuition can guide you toward a solution that aligns with your long-term goals.
When incorporating gut feelings into decision-making, I like to consider them as just one input among many. Here are some tips on how to factor in gut feelings along with other inputs:
Data and analysis
Always rely on data-driven insights, research and analysis to support your gut feelings. Gut feelings should complement data, not replace it.
Expert advice
Seek advice from industry experts, mentors or colleagues to gain different perspectives before making a decision based on your gut feeling.
Risk assessment
Evaluate the potential risks and consequences of following your gut feeling. Consider the impact of the decision on your business and stakeholders.
Testing
If possible, test your gut feeling by conducting small experiments or pilot projects to validate your intuition before committing to a larger decision.
Keep listening to your gut and intuition—you’ll find that you begin to have a strong level of trust in yourself as you factor it in and see the results. And remember, while gut feelings can be valuable in decision-making, a balance between intuition and rational analysis is essential to making well-informed decisions.
