Episode 2: Staying in the Balcony: How to Lead with Emotional Poise

Written By Bobby McGraw

Leadership often feels like an emotional roller coaster — conflict, pressure, and unpredictable people. In this episode of The Third Option Leadership Podcast, host Bobby McGraw sits down with Dean Harbry and Janalee Rainwater from the Middle Way Institute to explore one of the most powerful metaphors in leadership: “the balcony.”

The balcony represents a leader’s ability to rise above the drama — to see clearly, stay grounded, and respond instead of react. Together, the team unpacks:

  • The difference between professional leadership and amateur leadership

  • How to practice emotional poise in real time

  • The Leader’s Recovery Loop — what to do when you’ve already been pulled into the drama

  • Practical ways to describe emotions instead of disguising or demonstrating them

  • How to use self-coaching questions to stay curious and compassionate under pressure

Whether you lead a company, a team, or a family, this episode will help you build the emotional strength and perspective to lead from clarity, not chaos.

📍 Learn more about the Middle Way Institute and join a free monthly “Leadership as a Profession” call at middlewayinstitute.com.

Bobby McGraw www.bobbymcgraw.com
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Episode 3: The Map for Growing Your Leadership
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Episode 1: How to Stay in Control Without Controlling People