Gut feelings

Years ago, I was driving with my family on a winding road that had a very rocky shoulder. I saw a car coming around a bend from the other direction and I suddenly drove off the road with the car thumping over the rocks and my wife and kids looking at me like I was out of my mind.

As I slowed to a halt, the other car swerved into our lane as its obviously inebriated driver struggled to maintain control. Had I not pulled over when I did, a head on collision would have been inevitable.

Why did I suddenly drive off the road? I had what we call a gut feeling. I have had a lot of gut feelings and one thing I have noticed about them is that I always regret it when I don't listen to them.

In business, these feelings can save you a lot of anguish. It might be something as simple as checking in with a client. Or double checking the due date on the power bill. Or it could be something more dramatic that could save you from a serious injury. Are you sure you tightened that spindle nut right before the phone rang?

It's funny in a way because often, you never really know what you missed out on. But it also might be safe to say you don't want to.

D.D.