The Challenger’s Beliefs & Intention

TED* Team · June 5, 2024

Of the three TED* (*The Empowerment Dynamic)® roles of Creator, Challenger, and Coach, we receive the most questions about the Challenger.

Readers tell us they resist embracing the Challenger role because they view it as risky or scary. Others say that, if they are a Challenger, they won’t be liked by their co-workers, those they lead, or family members.

Challengers are catalysts for learning and are willing to stand for the vision, even when it may be unpopular. Challengers have a knack for letting go of the details and staying focused on desired outcomes. They sometimes shake things up and are often called the “truth-tellers.” Challengers go to the heart of the matter and frequently deliver the hard facts while inspiring others and themselves to reach for the highest good.

You have had Challengers in your life—we are sure of it. Your Challenger may have been your toughest teacher, the demanding sports coach, or a wise uncle or aunt. You know they loved and cared for you because their intent was to challenge you to learn and grow and be your best.

Without Challengers, we humans might wither under pressure and compromise the vision we so desire. There are at least three primary beliefs that are foundational to the Challenger role:

1. I know life is about learning and growth—even in the face of “not knowing.”

Challengers frequently ask of others and themselves: “Given the situation, what is here to learn or gain?” and say: “Let’s trust the process and keep moving forward.” While Persecutors want to control chaos and uncertainty, the Challenger “knows what they know and don’t know” and is comfortable with not knowing how it will all turn out.

2. Given life is ever-changing and uncertain, I rest in the confidence and conviction of my values.

This belief is the foundation of the “truth-teller.” By clarifying and aligning themselves with their values, keeping their word, and living in integrity is a high priority for a Challenger. They do not acquiesce to the drama of the moment. Instead, Challengers focus on being a stand for what they believe, even in the middle of chaos and change. They also challenge others to live in integrity with their values.

3. I tell the truth about current reality, without blame or judgment.

Challengers see reality for what it is and neither minimize nor catastrophize reality to gain position or be “one up.” While there is a strength and sturdiness to the Challenger, there is also a willingness to be vulnerable and open, because there is nothing to hide or defend. A Challenger has compassion for themselves and others, knowing that life and the creating process can be very hard sometimes.

Here are a few suggestions to cultivate your Challenger role:

• View others as Creators.

  Prior to challenging others, first reflect upon your intentions. Ask yourself: “What is my intention? Is it to put down, look good, or be right or, to build up and support the other?” Challengers challenge from a learning intention.

• Be open to new ideas and experiences. Challenge your own learning by picking one small thing you are unfamiliar with and then follow your curiosity and explore the topic. This loosens your grip on the need to know.
• Develop self-awareness. Learn to pause and listen to your internal talk. You may notice the ego’s need that whispers (sometimes it shouts!) at you to stay in control and be right. When you hear that Persecutor voice, learn to pause and, again, ask “What is here for me to learn?”

The Challenger’s beliefs and intentions are to spark learning, growth, and development, both within yourself and in support of others. This is the foundation of co-creating and collaboration.