The Choice is Yours

15th October 2025

During a recent outdoor coaching session in the magical Yorkshire Dales, we came across this wonderful former lime kiln with its circular form and series of tunnels, variable in length with perfect contrasts of dark and light. We were in awe of the skill involved in its construction, recognising how physically demanding it must have been for those extracting the lime. We acknowledged how advancements in science and technology have made such processes less intensive and kinder on the human body and we felt thankful for that. The tunnels and variation in light and dark helped us to gain powerful insights in relation to decision making and understanding if you have made the right choice and this is our summary of what we learned during this session:

1. Perspective shapes decision-making. Changing our physical environment helps shift mindset — creating space to see challenges from new angles

2. Ambiguity is part of the journey. Just as light and shadow coexist, clarity tends to arrive gradually through reflection and dialogue

3. Environment influences thinking. Natural and historic settings such as this former lime kiln where we had periods of total darkness followed by natural light, encouraged slower, more careful conversations — supporting deeper self-awareness and the time to think and respond

4 Progress doesn’t always mean speed: Sometimes, the most strategic move is to pause, observe, and reassess direction before stepping forward.

5. Leadership is about navigation, not certainty. Learning to recognise that complex choices rarely have one clear route — and that exploring options is part of effective decision-making is an essential leadership skill

Outdoor coaching reminds us that where we think influences how we think and by connecting movement, light, space, and reflection, we can gain the clarity needed to make confident, values-driven choices

➡️ If you’re a leader facing important decisions or navigating change, consider stepping outside with me to find your clearest path.