ABSTRACT
In contrast to the ‘magical’ view that pervades some ‘New Age intuitionism’, the decision researcher Gary Klein advocates a ‘muscular’ view of intuition which sees it as a mental strength that can be acquired1. Rather like a body-building exercise programme in a fitness club, ‘intuitive muscle’ can be built up through experiences, especially if those experiences are managed effectively and channelled in the right direction, and if intuitive judgements become more refined through good feedback. Intuitive muscle can be in evidence in many different complex and uncertain decision scenarios ranging from war zones to neonatal wards. Consider this incident described by Klein2 in his 1998 book Sources of Power. It involved two nurses, Linda (an experienced nurse
but new to neonatal care) and Darlene (six years experience in neonatal care) and their sick infant patient ‘Melissa’.
