Choose to challenge…

Today, in practice 44 with a team of eleven soon to be twelve, we learned that changing our perspective on stress could be a game changer in our cranium. This kinda change will result in a mindset of responsibility instead of one we see all too often in the world of work, victimhood.

Stress, remember, is neutral. Stress is any challenge that causes you to grow. Leaders that really believe in their team do NOT shield and protect them from their stressors. Instead, believers challenge pointedly and specifically right where each performer needs it most. Leaders understand this is what causes high performers to play at their best. Nothing makes a high performer “feel small” moreso than the feeling they need their leader. Now that is funny, huh…

High performers, remember, use their leaders as a sounding board more than anything. Leaders that believe in their teammate understand this phenomena and tune in like an animal being stalked when asked for some help. Leaders tune in. Leaders rarely give the answer. They give a challenging question after they’ve asked enough curious ones. Practice this discipline, my friend.

The high performer walks out feeling like they’ve solved their own problem. “I’ve got this,” they say to themselves as they walk out feeling large and ready to ACT.

Leaders stress the team. Leaders challenge from belief NOT frustration. This stresses those around them. This is done on purpose. This is why certain systems grow faster than others. Funny, huh.

Leaders stress the system in a good, acutely painful kinda way. Leaders stress those they believe in the most. Leaders pass the tension to its rightful owner because they know they can handle it. Leaders challenge their teammates in their sweet spots. They know the buttons to push to challenge ’em right where they need it. Leaders can only consistently do this when they really know those they have the prividege of leading. This is why we practice with the team and leader as ONE.

Practice is where we learn why we challenge and we learn how to do it from a positive place. Practice 44 had more challenge than practice 43. Practice 45 moreso. Practice makes a team stronger. The more challenging the practice, the more opportunity for growth. Turns out it’s how we respond that makes the difference. You choose. Your choices have consequences.

Leaders choose to challenge. Leaders choose to challenge out of belief. What are you choosing?