Art vs Science, and how to build intuition

This essay is written with help from Chat GPT.

I was struck by this paragraph in Ezra Klein’s essay on “How Barnes & Noble Came Back From Near Death”.

Daunt, as a onetime indie bookstore owner, believes that there’s something ineffable about a great bookstore. And he is dismissive of the kind of customer research that would cast that art as a science. I asked him, for instance, whether Barnes & Noble tracked the demographics of its customers. “My predecessors spent enormous amounts of energy and effort to answer questions of that sort, and I spend literally zero,” he said. “I have no interest at all in even beginning to think of that as a question. It’s totally irrelevant. Our stores are for everybody.”

We’re constantly aiming to be data-driven, but sometimes intuition wins.

This reminds me of how Rick Rubin or David Lynch, two of my idols, discuss their creative process. Rubin runs almost exclusively on intuition and prides himself on having no formal musical training. Lynch went to art school prior to becoming a filmmaker, but most of his ideas come from deeply within, and he seems to rely on pure feeling.

So how do we reconcile the difference between data and intuition, or art vs science? How do we know when to rely on analytical skills vs qualitative factors that can’t be measured or quantified?

Intuition is important in business because it allows leaders to make decisions based on their accumulated knowledge, experience, and instincts. It helps them to quickly assess situations and make decisions based on gut feelings and subjective judgment. This can be particularly valuable in fast-paced or complex environments where decisions need to be made quickly and with limited information.

Intuition can also help leaders to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to problems. It can help them to see patterns and connections that might not be immediately obvious to those who are solely relying on data and analysis. This can lead to innovative ideas and approaches that might not have been considered otherwise.

How to Build Intuition

Intuition is not a fixed trait; it can be developed and strengthened over time. Here are a few steps you can take to build your intuition:

1. Reflect on past experiences: Take time to reflect on your past experiences and think about the decisions you made and why. Try to identify any patterns in your thinking and decision-making that you can use in the future.
2. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness helps to increase awareness and focus, which can improve your intuition. Take time each day to practice mindfulness, such as through meditation, yoga, or simply focusing on your breathing.
3. Seek diverse perspectives: Listen to and learn from others who have different experiences and perspectives. This will help you to broaden your perspective and understand different points of view.
4. Take calculated risks: Don’t be afraid to take risks based on your intuition. Of course, it’s important to weigh the potential outcomes and consider the risks involved, but taking calculated risks can help you to build your confidence in your intuition.

While data and analysis are important tools in business, intuition should not be overlooked. By understanding the difference between art and science in the business context, appreciating the importance of intuition, and taking steps to build it, you can become a more effective leader and decision-maker.