Written by Kristin Harrington
Successful teams place challenges at the center of everything they do. What does that mean? Leaders talk openly about the challenges they are experiencing and encourage their teams to do the same. They create a “fail forward” culture where missteps are encouraged as the fuel for growth and innovation. They make others feel seen and supported in sharing their challenges, limitations, fears, and missteps while prompting action and incorporating lessons learned.
This is far easier said than done. I’m supporting several leaders trying to bring challenge more front-and-center on their teams. This approach runs counterintuitive to how we imagine great teams. Don’t great teams spend their time celebrating all the wins they’re having? Yes, but in the context of discussing the losses or potential for loss. Great teams are vulnerable about their challenges; this is the foundation for trust that makes everything else possible.
Looking to place challenge at the center of your team? Here are a few ways to get started:
Encourage open dialogue. Create regular opportunities for team members to discuss their challenges openly, including informal and formal meetings. Offer support and reassurance, ensuring everyone feels safe to share openly. Recognize that team members will almost certainly feel uncomfortable at first, but with time and repeated discussions, you’ll set the stage for a culture of transparency and continuous improvement.
Model vulnerability. Lead by example, sharing your challenges and how you’re working through them. Vulnerability builds trust; when we’re willing to be open about our own challenges, we’re able to build rapport with our team members. Being vulnerable humanizes while creating a precedent for others to follow. When team members see their leader being open about their struggles, they are more likely to feel comfortable doing the same.
Celebrate learnings, not just successes. Shift the focus from just celebrating wins to also celebrating learnings from failures. When a team member tries something new that doesn’t work out, highlight what was learned from the experience. This reinforces the idea that failure is a step towards growth and innovation, not something to be feared. Over time, your team will get comfortable celebrating the good and the not-so-great in the spirit of progress.
Embracing challenges allows you to foster a culture of innovation and growth. This shift enhances trust and collaboration within your team and creates best-in-class performance. Jump first into the challenge, and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable with your colleagues, encouraging others to do the same.
