Intuition and the nurse manager.

In spite of the present move in health care into the computer age, there is increasing awareness that intuition is an important nursing management technique and that it is linked to success as a manager. Intuition is most effectively implemented by the self-confident manager with experience and expertise as a manager. Nevertheless, a novice manager who values and seeks intuition will find it a technique that will assist in the development of excellence as a manager. Managers who perceive themselves as having limited skills in intuition and yet are sensitive to the need for intuition can compensate for this deficiency by close association with a coworker who can provide intuitive perceptions and evaluations. For example, a head nurse who is primarily analytical may discuss assignment of nurses with an assistant who is highly intuitive. Managers who are able to compensate for intuitive deficiencies by surrounding themselves with competent and trusted subordinates who have intuitive qualities may be able to effectively use both analytic and nonanalytic managerial techniques.