The biggest leadership problems aren’t solved by choosing sides.
Meet Hector. As the general manager of a wholesale building materials company, Hector expects accountability and results. But the harder he pushes for performance, the quieter his team becomes. Sales blames operations. Managers avoid difficult conversations. Hector is beginning to wonder if great leadership really requires choosing between caring about people and driving results, or if there’s another way.
Today, Jay sits down with Michelle Troseth and Dr. Tracy Christopherson, co-founders of Missing Logic, co-authors of Polarity Intelligence, and hosts of the Burnout Proof Leadership podcast. Together, they explore why the biggest leadership challenges aren’t problems to solve, but polarities to manage. and how embracing both perspectives leads to stronger teams, healthier cultures, and better decisions.
Notable Quotes
“It’s not a problem you can solve. You need both performance and people.” — Michelle Troseth
“Most of what we deal with are interdependencies, not separate problems.” — Michelle Troseth
“Your preference becomes the environment your team works in.” — Dr. Tracy Christopherson
“You have to differentiate a problem from a polarity.” — Michelle Troseth
About Our Guests
Michelle Troseth and Dr. Tracy Christopherson are the co-founders of Missing Logic, co-authors of Polarity Intelligence, and internationally recognized experts in leadership, burnout prevention, and organizational culture. Through their research, coaching, and consulting, they help leaders move beyond either-or thinking, navigate competing priorities, and build healthier, higher-performing organizations.
Resources & Links
Michelle Troseth
Missing Logic Website – https://www.missinglogic.com/
Polarity Intelligence Book – https://www.polarityintelligence.com/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelletroseth
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/michelletroseth/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@missinglogicllc
Dr. Tracy Christopherson
Missing Logic Website – https://www.missinglogic.com/
Polarity Intelligence Book – https://www.polarityintelligence.com/
LinkedIn – https://linkedin.com/in/tracy-christopherson
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@missinglogicllc
Jay Abbasi
Website – https://jayabbasi.me/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast
Join Us Next Time
Join Jay on Friday as he explores what it truly means to lead with courage. You’ll learn how courageous leaders navigate difficult conversations, make hard decisions without losing compassion, and build trust while still holding people accountable. If you want to become a leader who inspires confidence instead of fear, you won’t want to miss this episode.