How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Challenge

Disciplines > Change Management > Creating Change > Challenge

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Method

Stimulate people into change by challenging them to achieve something remarkable. Show confidence in their ability to get out of their comfort zone and do what has not been done before.

This works particularly well with small groups, as well as individuals. Once the group has bought the challenge, then they will bounce off each other to make it happen.

This is most effective when the people create their own stretch goals, so rather than telling them to do something, challenge them to achieve greatly, then, when they are fired up, ask them how far they can go.

Example

A manufacturing managers challenges his team to break company records in building a new product at much reduced costs. He does not give them actual targets, but they set their own goals of halving normal assembly costs. Using concurrent engineering in collaboration with the design group and DFM (Design for Manufacturing) techniques, they reduce parts count by 80% and turn what would otherwise be a 6 hour assembly time into 30 minutes.

Discussion

One of the secrets of happiness has been found to be 'achievable challenge'. Challenging people (and giving them needed support) can be an exciting thing for them.

Challenge has also been found to be a secret of 'hot groups' that achieve far more than ordinary groups. They take on work that others think impossible, then have to achieve it to remain credible (and when they do, they gain much credibility).