Unleashing Potential through the Support/Challenge Matrix
Welcome to the journey of Liberating Leadership, a path that guides emerging leaders, business owners, and executive leaders towards achieving excellence in both their professional and personal lives. Today, we dive deep into a transformative tool that makes this possible - the Support/Challenge Matrix. This journey is not just about leadership; it's about creating a legacy of trust, empowerment, and high performance.
A Personal Journey:
Byron Skaggs shares his experience with the concept of the Support/Challenge Matrix at a pivotal moment early in his leadership career.
As a new leader facing significant resistance to revamp an existing program, I was bogged down by the enormity of the challenge, feeling isolated and unsupported. This changed when my supervisor expressed his unwavering support and trust in me, despite the challenging road ahead. His approach was not just supportive; it was empowering, enabling me to drive the necessary changes and cultivate a positive culture shift. My supervisor brought liberation where I was dominating myself and leading myself by accident. This experience was a testament to the power of balanced support and challenge - a cornerstone of Liberating Leadership.
Understanding Unhealthy Tendencies:
Leaders often grapple with tendencies that skew towards either excessive challenge or overwhelming support. Those who prioritize Challenge create environments rife with fear and manipulation, while leaders who focus too much on Support may inadvertently foster entitlement and mistrust. Burned-out leaders, providing neither support nor challenge, can lead to a culture of apathy and abdication. Recognizing and correcting these tendencies is essential in your journey towards becoming a Liberating Leader.
The Support/Challenge Matrix as a Mirror:
Imagine a tool that not only guides you in balancing support and challenge but also serves as a mirror reflecting your leadership style. The Support/Challenge Matrix does just that. Take a moment to think about three leaders in your life and plot them on this matrix. What tendencies, attitudes, mindsets did they have that shed light on why you plotted them where you did? What impact did they have on how you lead yourself and others?
Now, turn this tool on yourself. Where would you plot yourself? And, what's it like to be on the other side of you? Where do you land on the matrix in your team's eyes? Don't guess. Ask them! Is there a difference between where you see yourself and how your team sees you? Is this your default, natural spot on the matrix? What tendencies are evident in your life at this point on the matrix? This introspection is crucial in understanding the culture you create by default and vital to identify the steps needed to align with Liberating Leadership.
Embracing the Journey with Altitude Training:
Embarking on this journey requires more than understanding; it demands action. This is where our Altitude Training program comes into play. A 12-month Group Climb program, it offers over 50 tools, including the Support/Challenge Matrix, to help you become a leader worth following. Engage with other like-minded leaders, each on their quest for transformation and excellence.
What's Next?
Liberating Leadership is an ongoing pursuit of balance, growth, and empowerment. By embracing the Support/Challenge Matrix, you are not just changing how you lead; you are transforming the very essence of your leadership. Reflect on your tendencies, re-calibrate your approach, and join us in reshaping the landscape of leadership.
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