Challenge in the Workplace

For today’s leaders, a large emphasis is placed on creating psychologically safe workplaces that make people feel supported. A supported staff  — one that understands what’s expected of them and has the proper training and resources to achieve it  — is a happy, productive staff. Proper, regular feedback, whether positive or negative, can be a great motivator.

However, it’s also critical for today’s leaders to remember that people like the sense of achievement that comes with taking on and overcoming difficulty. Creating a space devoid of challenge leads to stagnation and complacency. Don’t think that I’m endorsing the old school, drill sergeant school of leadership. There’s no need to attack, berate, or push people beyond their limits.

Rather, today’s leaders need to cultivate an environment that both supports and challenges their team to be their best.

Humans enjoy a challenge. It’s how we grow, progress, and improve not only as individuals, but as a society. This is one of the top motivators in our work and personal lives. In a business context, staff are more likely to stick around if they feel like they’re learning and making progress toward something. Yes, it’s that powerful! 

Read on for three examples that explore the motivating power of challenge.

Philip of Macedon

I was listening to a great podcast about Philip of Macedon. You may have heard of his son, Alexander the Great. Early in Philip’s career as a leader, Macedon was faced with a threat — invasions from barbarian tribes, outnumbering his army four-to-one. Traveling across Macedonia to recruit and rally the various nobles, he was charming and persuasive, but also issued his famous rallying cry: “Be men!”. He challenged his countrymen to rise to the occasion. It’s true that people want to be treated well, but they also want to be challenged.

Bees in Space

Here’s a real-life allegory for you, one discussed in Weight Room Wisdom; Lessons in Leadership from 99 Strength Coaches by Ron McKeefery. It’s about bees in space. Bees on earth have to buzz their wings. Bees in space don’t. No gravity. Bees in space die. Here’s an excerpt from an article on the story, Lessons Learned From Bees in Space:

Fighting against the pull of gravity proved to be a challenge crucial to the bees’ health. Using the story as a metaphor...people don’t mature when life is easy. Instead, development occurs only in the presence of physical and mental challenges. By leaving one’s comfort zone and embracing moments of hardship and struggle, people set themselves up for growth and future success.

Not only is challenge a powerful motivator, it’s a critical part of our ability to survive and thrive.

Star Trek (2009)

In the best movie in the Star Trek revamp, an early scene explores the origin of Captain Kirk, whose father sacrificed himself to save the crew of his starship — and his pregnant wife. Years later, as a rebellious young man, Kirk gets in a bar fight with a Starfleet cadet.

A Starfleet captain, Christopher Pike, breaks it up. Captain Pike approaches Kirk at the bar, and questions the young man’s decision making and lack of direction. At the same time, Pike commends Kirk's aptitude, and pushes him to enlist in Starfleet. After a brief conversation, Captain Pike leaves Kirk with this personal challenge:

Your father was captain of a Starship for 12 minutes. He saved 800 lives, including your mother's and yours. I dare you to do better.

The next day, Kirk enlists. As he gets on the shuttle, he says to Pike, “Four years to graduate? I’ll do it in three.”

Challenge accepted!

Finding Your Next Challenge

Consider the above examples and ask yourself: how can I challenge my team? How can I light a fire? What can you dare them to do? 

Then, take a look at yourself. How can you apply these same lessons to your own skills and abilities? How can you grow or improve?

Working with a leadership coach can be a great way to figure out what your next challenge is, or how you might be able to challenge your team members in a productive and positive way. A coach can work with you to understand your strengths and motivators, and what steps you can take to find your next level. 

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About The Author

Emily Sander is an ICF-certified leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience in the business world and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. She’s been featured in several print publications, online articles, and podcasts, including CEO Today Magazine, Leading to Fulfillment, and Leadership Powered by Common Sense. 

Emily has a passion for helping business leaders reach their full potential. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. If you want to send Emily a quick message, then visit her contact page here.