Leadership can be a solitary journey, filled with moments of doubt and uncertainty. While feedback is essential for growth, the reality is that many leaders find themselves in a feedback limbo, either not getting enough of the right feedback or overwhelmed by conflicting opinions.
This can cloud judgment, erode confidence, and hinder your ability to lead effectively.
So, how can leaders break free from this feedback limbo? The answer lies in cultivating a specific leadership mindset: High Challenge, High Support.
The High Challenge, High Support Conundrum
Imagine a spectrum. On one end lies high support, where leaders prioritise encouragement and positive reinforcement. At the other end is high challenge, where expectations are demanding, and continuous improvement is the norm.
Many leaders naturally gravitate towards one side of this spectrum. Some prioritise support, fostering a friendly environment but potentially sacrificing performance. Others lean heavily on challenge, pushing their teams hard but risking burnout and alienation.
The path to high performance, however, lies squarely in the intersection of High Challenge and High Support.
Why High Challenge, High Support?
Leaders operating from this mindset hold key beliefs that empower their teams and themselves:
- Expecting high standards is not unrealistic. People have a remarkable capacity to rise to expectations. Your strong belief in their capabilities fosters a culture of excellence.
- Following your team is a recipe for stagnation. By setting high standards and offering unwavering support, you encourage them to push their limits and achieve remarkable results.
Understanding Your Natural Tendencies and Your Authentic Self
Several factors can influence your inclination towards challenge or support. One helpful tool we use is the Insights Discovery® framework. This is the first step to identify how you show up and how you prefer to lead.
- You may… seek harmony and collaboration, potentially leading to over-support and difficulty with tough decisions, leaving your team
- You may… thrive on competition, potentially favouring high challenge, leading to stress and a lack of trust.
Self-awareness is key. Recognising your natural preference helps you avoid its pitfalls meaning you can consciously strive for a High Challenge, High Support mindset.
Developing Your High Challenge, High Support Mindset
Here are practical steps you can take:
- Challenge beliefs that limit team potential. Replace the thought, “Expecting high standards is unfair,” with, “People will surprise you with what they can achieve.”
- Provide clear expectations and ongoing feedback. Don’t leave your team guessing. Combine high standards with regular feedback loops, helping them navigate challenges and celebrate successes.
- Evaluate your position on the High Challenge High Support Scale. Knowing where you position yourself will help you to understand and target areas to work, in order to be the leader you are destined to be.
Seeking Additional Support
The road to leadership mastery is a continuous journey of learning and self-discovery. If you’re seeking further guidance, consider a free consultation with us to develop a bespoke leadership development plan.
This can help you:
- Discover your Insights Discovery® preference.
- Evaluate your position on the High Challenge, High Support scale.
- Gain deeper insights into the beliefs of highly effective leaders.
Remember, leadership doesn’t have to be a lonely pursuit. By cultivating a High Challenge, High Support mindset, this will provide the feedback you need to set yourself on the right path. By seeking support along the way, you can create a thriving environment where your team and you both reach exceptional heights.