Day four was a turning point—a day of both nerves and excitement as the reality of our coaching journey truly set in. We kicked off with a review of upcoming assignments, and there’s one in particular that has me feeling both exhilarated and a little nervous: submitting my pro bono coaching proposals. Clients! Real, live clients! It’s thrilling, and, let’s be honest, a bit daunting. But here we go—it’s time to dive in, embrace the challenge, and make it happen!

Finding a Safe Space: The Role of Journal Partners

Next, we shifted focus to our journal partners—a new layer of collaboration in this coaching journey. While it might feel a bit awkward at first, I’m genuinely intrigued. This partnership offers a safe space to explore questions, share discoveries, and gain fresh perspectives on the material we’re learning. I see it as a mirror—a way to validate what I think I’m learning or, just as importantly, realize if I’ve veered off track. It’s all part of the process, and I’m ready to embrace it. Let’s do this!  I'm lucky to be paired with Daniel Noel on this portion of my journey!

The Big Topic: Polarities and the Transformational Third Way

The majority of the day was devoted to an eye-opening discussion about polarities and the concept of the “Transformational Third Way.” Polarities are everywhere—they shape the way we think, act, and interact. They often exist as opposing forces: this or that, up or down, candor or diplomacy, control or empowerment. These dichotomies serve a purpose, but they can also trap us, leaving us stuck in patterns that don’t serve us.

My big aha moment was this: when we align ourselves too strongly with one pole, we often fail to see the value in the other. Why? Because the opposite pole can come with traits or consequences we don’t want in our lives. This is where the “Transformational Third Way” comes in. It’s about finding a healthy balance—acknowledging the merits of both poles and adopting the beneficial elements of the one we might be ignoring.

For example, as leaders, do we favor candor over diplomacy? Do we prioritize control or focus when it comes to empowering our teams? The Third Way invites us to step back, examine the polarity, and discover what lies beyond our current perspective. By incorporating the strengths of the “other side,” we can unlock new solutions and overcome the roadblocks holding us back.

And here’s the kicker: this doesn’t just apply to individuals. The Third Way has the potential to transform teams, organizations, and even entire systems.

A Challenge for You

So, I leave you with a question: Do you favor a particular pole in your leadership style? Do you lean toward rewarding teams or individuals? Building bonds or maintaining distance? What might you be missing—and are you ready to uncover a Third Way?

Stay true.