Another important cognitive trait of leaders is insight, a depth of understanding that requires considerable intuition and common sense. Intuition is often the mental process used to provide the understanding of a problem. Insight helps speed decision making.

Insight into people and situations involving people is an essential characteristic of organizational leaders because it helps them make the best use of both their own and others’ talents. For example, it helps them make wise choices in selecting people for key assignments. Insight also enables managers to do a better job of developing team members because they can wisely assess the members’ strengths and weaknesses.

Another major advantage of being insightful is that the leader can size up a situation and adapt his or her leadership approach accordingly. For instance, in a crisis situation, group members welcome directive and decisive leadership. Being able to read people helps the manager provide this leadership. You can gauge your insight by charting the accuracy of your hunches and predictions about people and business situations.