In coaching, a challenge is a powerful request that asks the client to extend themselves beyond their self-imposed limits. A challenge can shift the way the client sees and thinks of themselves for years to come.
The elements of a challenge include a specific action and the date/time of completion.
Here are some examples of challenges:
- For a client that is overwhelmed with demands: “I challenge you to say “no” to anything that is not a priority this week.”
- For a client that procrastinates: “I challenge you to finish your project by tomorrow morning.”
- For the client that isn’t satisfied with their physical well being: “Here’s my challenge – sign up for the marathon instead of the 5K right now.”
- For a client that wants to make one cold call a day to increase business: “I challenge you to make fifty calls a day starting today.”
Clients can respond with a yes, no or counter offer. Usually, in the face of a challenge, clients will respond with a counter offer that is greater than they initially would have allowed themselves to make otherwise. Therefore the challenge served its purpose – to get your client out of the box and change their way of thinking.
In what ways do you use challenge?
For more resources, see the Library topic Personal and Professional Coaching.
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Pam Solberg-Tapper MHSA, PCC – I spark entrepreneurial business leaders to set strategy, take action, and get results. How can I help you? Contact me at CoachPam@cpinternet.com ~ Linkedin ~ 218-340-3330
Chuck Appleby of Appleby & Associates is a leadership and organization development consultant with over 30 years of management, consulting, and coaching experience. 
Carter McNamara of Authenticity Consulting, LLC, has decades of experience providing group coaching and Action Learning around the world.
Pam Solberg-Tapper is a highly experienced Professional Certified Coach. Her company, Coach for Success, designs, implements and coaches in a variety of leadership and executive programs.