The power of cunning: why it is important and 5 tips to develop it

What can save us in this crucial era of deep and even baffled transformations? He Survival instinct. This aspect that is often not taken into account is activated in our head, specifically what is known as reptilian brainwhich is the oldest part of this vital organ: some 500 million years in the evolution of the species.

It is a brain structure that we share with the reptiles and other primitive vertebrates; Hence his name. Its main function is ensure survival of the organism through the regulation of instinctive and automatic behaviors. For example:

Astucia, one of the principles of survival instinct

The cunningunderstood as the ability to use intelligence and ingenuity to achieve objectives, has deep roots in our survival as a human species, and is partly regulated by the reptilian brain. This instinct drives us to be vigilant, strategic and make quick decisions in critical situations.

However, cunning is not always valued as appropriate, although it awakens curiosity when observing people who have it very developed, because it is the Silent engine behind successes and achievements.

The business tycoon Warren Buffett He affirmed that “Astucia is the ability to get ahead of others, to anticipate what is coming and act accordingly”. He is precisely, who is recognized for his ability to navigate the complex financial world with enviable clarity and sagacity.

What is cunning

The cunning It is a combination of practical intelligence, mental acuity and strategic skills that allows a person to adapt and prosper in different situations. It is the ability to understand and mobilize resources from the environment to achieve specific objectives, either in the personal, professional or social sphere.

Being cunning is a skill that is characterized by highly developed sagacity, sagacity and intuitionwhich allows reading and anticipating situations, in order to make better decisions and guide the course of situations.

ASTUCIA implies using intelligence and insight in a way ethics and constructive. It is a skill that is aligned with the integrity and respect for others. Astucia, well understood and applied, is a virtue that strengthens both who possess it and those who interact with that person.

Defining what is not cunning

It is essential to understand that cunning, although powerful, It should not be confused with negative or destructive behaviors. Here are some aspects that They are not cunning:

• It is not being false or hypocritical. For example, a cunning leader does not lie to his team to keep them motivated; Instead, he finds honest ways to inspire and guide his team towards success.

• It is not being unscrupulous. Cunning does not justify actions that lack moral or ethical principles. Being cunning is acting with integrity and respect for others. Returning to the example of a company, the ideal is not to take advantage of a dishonest way.

• It is not destructive manipulation. While cunning is an element of persuasion, the line should not be crossed towards manipulation. An example would be during negotiations, where someone can falsify information. Instead, truthful information should be used and improve the arguments.

• It is not arrogance or arrogance. Cunning needs humility and conscious observation of all elements at stake. To graph him in the business world, a cunning manager should not impose his ideas without considering the opinions of his team; Instead, listen and adapt your strategies based on the feedback received.

• It is not being opportunistic without considering consequences. This human feature is not about taking advantage of each opportunity without thinking about the repercussions and impact in the long term. That is, you have to act with vision and responsibility. A typical sample happens in rapid gain investments.

What is it for being cunning

If you wonder what the benefit of being intelligently cunning In different situations, here we are. It is used to:

• Make decisions: It allows us to evaluate situations objectively and make decisions based on a deep understanding of the circumstances, and articulate the strategic plans to achieve what you propose.

• Anticipate problems: A cunning person can foresee obstacles and plan solutions before problems materialize.

• Negotiate better: In the world of business and personal relationships, cunning is crucial to negotiate beneficial agreements, be able to anticipate the plays of the other party and make proposals to reach better results.

• Adapt to change: When you are cunning, as you can read the situations in advance, you can improve flexibility against unforeseen and changes.

• Influence and persuade: Being cunning also implies understanding human psychology and using that knowledge to influence and persuade others.

5 tips to develop cunning

Do you want to expand your level of cunning and insight? Here you have these ideas to practice consciousness:

• Observe and learn: Cultivate the habit of observing people and situations carefully. I learned from the actions and decisions of others, especially those who demonstrate a remarkable cunning.

• Enhance your emotional intelligence: Cunning is not just a matter of intellect; It also implies understanding and managing your own emotions and those of others. You can work to improve your empathy and interpersonal skills, to decode not only what you feel, but also the world of others.

• I maintained a strategic mentality: Always think several steps forward. Advancing is a cunning ability. Ask how each action can influence the final result and plan accordingly. A method that works is to analyze the impact of everything you execute: Think how it affects in 10 minutes, 10 days, 10 years.

• Increase your knowledge: Cunning feeds on knowledge. Read widely, study different fields and keep informed about trends and developments in your area of ​​interest. For example, interest in nonverbal communication, spoken language and deep meanings of what people express.

• Practice mental flexibility: Another important component of cunning is flexibility. If your thought model is excessively rigid, it can hardly move and adapt to changing situations. Straightness, for example, does not allow cunning to emerge. The suggestion is that you develop the ability to change the focus quickly and consider multiple perspectives.

The cunning It is a multifaceted ability within the daily conquest of achievements. And it is the secret weapon not only allows you survivebut thrive. Cultivating this ability will not only transform your approach to challenges, but also will position to reach your goals with surprising clarity and efficiency.

Facilitator and Master Coach Executive Specialized in Senior Management, Professionals and Teams; Mentor and professional communicator; international lecturer; Author of 32 books. LinkedIn Top Voice Latin America. Professional Coach certified by ICF at its maximum level, certified coach, member and mentor at Maxwell Leadership, John Maxwell’s team.