In my experience as a lifeguard, I can see how the intuitive decision-making model applies. This model refers to arriving at decisions without conscious reasoning and is often used by experts who face high-stakes situations, such as fire chiefs, pilots, and nurses. These professionals don’t typically sort through a list of options; instead, they identify cues in the environment, recognize patterns, and draw upon their experience to make quick, effective decisions.

As a lifeguard, I’ve been trained to respond similarly. We’re required to know precisely what to look for and how to perform life-saving procedures based on immediate observations. Since so much of our work is about responding intuitively, proper training is critical. I’ve practiced numerous life-saving scenarios during training, preparing for every potential emergency that might occur at the pool. Additionally, we’re required to recertify every two years, ensuring we retain the skills and knowledge to recognize and respond to a crisis swiftly. Although I’ve never had to make a real rescue in my five years as a lifeguard, I’ve practiced these scenarios hundreds of times. Through these repeated exercises, I’ve developed an intuitive understanding of how to assess situations quickly and act without needing to consciously analyze every step. This ability to recognize patterns—such as spotting subtle signs of distress—enables me to respond instinctively, much like the experts described in research on intuitive decision-making.

Source: Principles of Management. Pages 478-479. University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing. 2010.