When Was the Last Time You Were Challenged—Not Just Supported?
At the C-suite level, praise is easy to come by. Your title commands respect. Your presence changes the room. Your opinion often becomes the decision. But here’s the hard truth: growth rarely comes from applause. It comes from friction. Too many executives surround themselves with support—but not challenge.
And without challenge, smart people start making predictable decisions. Innovative thinking slows down. Blind spots get wider. Comfort sneaks in wearing the mask of confidence.
The Value of Tension
There’s an old proverb: “Iron sharpens iron.” But only when there’s contact—pressure. That friction is what sharpens, hones, and strengthens. In executive circles, that means putting yourself around people who won’t hesitate to ask:
- “Why are you really making that move?”
- “Have you considered the downside?”
- “Is this a bold step forward—or a fear-based retreat?”
In the film Moneyball, Billy Beane challenges every sacred cow of baseball strategy. Not because he wants to, but because he has to. His survival depends on thinking differently—and it’s only when he finds an outsider with a different lens (Peter Brand) that the real breakthroughs happen.
Every exec needs a Peter Brand in their life—someone who sees the angles they don’t.
Coaching and Peer Groups: Constructive Tension Without Politics
In a high-level peer advisory group, challenge is baked in. There’s no corporate hierarchy to navigate. No hidden agendas. Just intelligent, driven peers willing to ask the questions no one else will.
That’s not opposition—it’s optimization.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.” — Socrates
If you haven’t been meaningfully challenged in a while, it’s not a sign of mastery—it’s a signal that you’re overdue for friction. Real growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
Choose a room where you’re not just supported, but sharpened.
