Sharpening Intuition Skills for Use in Project Management

Editor’s note: This paper was originally presented at the 3^rd Annual UT Dallas Project Management Symposium in Richardson, Texas, USA (http://pmsymposium.utdallas.edu/) in August 2009. As Media Partner for that event, PMForum agreed to republish selected papers in PM World Today. This paper is included here with the consent of the author and permission of the Graduate Program in Project Management at The University of Texas at Dallas School of Management, who is the copyright holder of the conference proceedings. All conditions and disclaimers of the copyright holder pertain.

Abstract

As Project Management becomes a recognized science and a highly demanded skill set, a wide variety of commercial tools have been developed to assist in managing projects.  Intuition is a free Project Management tool that is largely untapped.  When used in combination with existing experience and knowledge, intuition can produce a unique and powerful strategic decision making Project Management tool. 

Intuition has been defined as ‘understanding without apparent effort’.  This study will examine various methods for recognizing and building on one’s existing intuition.  Mental exercises to produce intuitive output will be suggested.  Techniques used to evaluate ‘gut’ reactions will be investigated as a stylistic skill.  Means for validating and incorporating insights into a wide range of Project Management activities will be presented.  

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About the Author Zelda Jones Author Zelda Jones has over 20 years of Project Management experience and has often been faced with having to make on-the-spot decisions. While recognizing that experience and knowledge form the basis for decision making, she believes intuition is the background guide. Zelda has managed software development projects in the medical industry, and managed international hardware implementation projects in the telecom industry. She is currently working for a global manufacturing corporation managing large to medium software development. Zelda lives and works in North Texas, USA and can be contacted at jones.zelda@gmail.com. .