Getting Your Team Past Discomfort and Defensiveness

Have you ever faced a situation where your team is overwhelmed by the roadblocks in their way, and it seems easier to retreat than to push forward? As a leader, how do you handle these moments of discomfort and turn them into opportunities for growth?

In my years of leading teams, one of the most rewarding challenges is guiding them through discomfort. It’s about recognizing and overcoming roadblocks while fostering growth, all without letting frustration and burnout take root. A crucial aspect of leadership is ensuring that everyone feels heard, even when pushing them to achieve more than they thought possible.

Embracing Discomfort for Growth

Discomfort often signals growth. Stepping out of our comfort zones opens us up to new possibilities and innovative solutions. However, this isn’t about throwing people into the deep end without support; it’s about providing the right mix of challenge and guidance.

I recall a particular instance when I asked a team member to add a new service option for a client. Immediately, I was met with a laundry list of reasons why we shouldn’t, couldn’t, or why it would cause problems. They highlighted logistical nightmares, potential client dissatisfaction, and resource constraints. While I genuinely appreciated their insights and the thorough consideration of potential pitfalls, I also saw an opportunity for growth.

As our CEO often reminds us, "Growing things is hard." This statement rings true in every new challenge we face. It’s a reminder that the path to growth is seldom easy, but it’s always worth it.

Overcoming Roadblocks

Leadership is about navigating through, around, or over roadblocks, not letting them stop us. Here’s how I approach this:

1. Identify the Roadblocks: Acknowledge the challenges head-on. Ignoring them only leads to frustration. We conduct brainstorming sessions to list out all potential obstacles, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard.
2. Develop a Plan: With the roadblocks identified, we collaboratively develop a plan to address each one. This involves setting realistic timelines, allocating resources, and identifying key responsibilities. It’s a team effort, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment.
3. Encourage Innovation: I encourage my team to think creatively. Sometimes the best solutions come from the most unexpected ideas. By fostering an environment where every idea is valued, we unlock innovative approaches to overcoming challenges.
4. Jump and Figure It Out Later: Sometimes, you just have to take the leap and trust that you and your team will figure it out along the way. It's about having confidence in the team's abilities and knowing that together, you can navigate whatever comes your way. This approach can be daunting, but it often leads to the most innovative and effective solutions.

Balancing Challenge with Support

While pushing through discomfort is essential, it’s equally important to prevent burnout. Here are a few strategies I use:

1. Regular Check-Ins: Frequent one-on-one and team check-ins allow me to gauge the team’s morale and workload. It’s crucial to address any signs of frustration or fatigue early on.
2. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledging and celebrating small milestones boosts morale and keeps the team motivated. It’s a reminder that progress is being made, even if the end goal seems distant.
3. Provide Resources: Ensuring the team has the necessary resources and support to tackle challenges is vital. This includes access to training, tools, and sometimes just a listening ear.
4. Open Communication: Creating a culture of open communication where team members feel safe to voice their concerns, ideas, and frustrations is key. This fosters trust and ensures that everyone feels heard and valued.

Empowering Growth

Leadership isn’t just about pushing people to achieve more; it’s about empowering them to grow. By encouraging my team to push through discomfort, I’ve seen incredible personal and professional growth. They’ve become more resilient, innovative, and confident in their abilities.

However, this growth must happen in a supportive environment. Leaders need to be empathetic, approachable, and willing to adjust the course when necessary. It’s a dynamic balance of pushing forward and pulling back, of challenging and supporting.

Conclusion

Leading through discomfort and overcoming roadblocks is an essential part of leadership. It requires a delicate balance of challenge and support, ensuring the team grows without burning out. By fostering an environment of open communication, celebrating small wins, and encouraging innovative thinking, we can achieve our goals while ensuring our teams feel heard and valued. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to guide our teams through these challenging yet rewarding journeys, paving the way for collective success and individual growth.