The Power of “Yes, But”: Why Leaders (and Coaches) Need Both Voices

This morning marked the start of September with an early meeting. I had the privilege of working with three highly experienced colleagues, all deeply curious and committed to growing their impact.

As often happens in such spaces, one of them shared a real goal they were persuing. Their energy was contagious — ideas flowing, curiosity alive, creativity switched on. You could feel the lift in the room, the sense that action was not only possible but even exciting.

And then… the familiar moment showed up.

“Yes, but…”

The colleague named a concern. Something along the lines of:

“Yes, this could work - but what if people aren’t ready? What if they don’t really care about the problem this solution addresses?”

If you’ve ever led a team, launched a product, or had an ambitious idea, you probably know this moment. One part of you is uplifted, ready, resourceful. Another part is cautious, questioning, concerned.

Leaders often rush to silence that second voice - “Don’t worry, just take action!” Coaches too sometimes fall into the trap of fixing the “what if.”

But here’s the catch:

If people move forward without attending to that cautious voice, the action might not be sustainable.

The enthusiasm alone won’t carry them. The whisper of doubt keeps running in the background, draining energy, slowing momentum.

So what if - instead of fighting the “yes, but” - we integrate it?

Both Parts Serve the Same Purpose

Here’s the perspective shift:

•        The enthusiastic part wants progress, ease, and excitement.

•        The cautious part wants safety, perspective, and sustainability.

Both are trying to secure something important: success that lasts.

By integrating the two voices, we don’t lose enthusiasm, and we don’t let caution paralyze us. Instead, we create a more ecological approach - one that balances vision with realism.

A Simple Integration Question

Next time you hear a “yes, but” - whether in your own mind, in your team, or in a coaching conversation - try this:

👉 “If both the eager, enthusiastic part and the cautious, concerned part of you are ultimately working for the same goal, what are they trying to secure for you?”

This shifts the conversation from conflict to partnership. From interference to integration.

Why This Matters for Leaders

In leadership, disregarding the cautious voice might get you short-term action, but it often undermines long-term commitment.

• Enthusiasm without perspective burns out.

• Caution without enthusiasm stalls progress.

• Integration creates sustainable momentum. 

The magic isn’t in choosing one voice over the other. It’s in letting both be heard - and finding the shared purpose beneath them.

✨ September started for me with this powerful reminder: success isn’t about silencing the “yes, but.” It’s about

• Listening more deeply,

• Integrating perspectives, and

• Moving forward with energy and groundedness.

What about you? When has your “yes, but” been the very voice you needed to hear?