Most managers know how to be nice. Some even know how to be demanding.

But very few know how to grow people.

The tension you hold as a leader isn’t about picking between support or challenge; it’s about mastering both at the same time.

This week, I had a coaching session with a fantastic leader where we went over a tool that has completely shifted how many managers look at development.
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Today, I'm going to open up my vault and give it to you.

It’s called the Support vs. Challenge Matrix.

The Support vs. Challenge Matrix

Here’s the big idea:

If you want people to grow, not just get by, you have to offer high support and high challenge at the same time.

That's what we call "The Stretch Zone". And it's where you and your people see the most growth.

Check out the simple 2X2 grid below.

There are 4 quadrants:

Support Zone (High Support + Low Challenge): Comfortable, but stagnant. (aka the coddle zone.)

Stress Zone (Low Support + High Challenge): Pressure without a safety net. (a recipe for burnout & turnover)

Struggle Zone (Low Support + Low Challenge): People are abandoned and drift.

But the best leaders live in the Stretch Zone. Believing in their people so much that they refuse to let them stay small.

How to Get Into the Stretch Zone

If you realize you’re stuck in Support, Challenge, or Struggle mode, good. Awareness is step one.

Here’s how to shift:

• If you’re heavy on support, light on challenge:​
  Start raising expectations. Set real goals. Let them feel some healthy pressure.
• If you’re heavy on challenge, light on support:​
  Slow down. Build connection. Coach, don’t just criticize. Make it safe to take risks.
• If you’re low on both:​
  Re-engage immediately. Have a conversation about what they want and how you’ll partner with them to get there.

Remember:​
The Stretch Zone isn’t about making things easy.
It’s about making growth possible and proving that you believe they’re capable of it.

How to Apply It This Week

If you manage people (or even just yourself), here’s a quick exercise:

Pick one person you lead, then rate yourself honestly:

• How much support am I giving them right now?
• How much challenge am I applying?
• Map it on the grid.
• Adjust your next interaction to move toward the Stretch Zone.

Pro tip:

Leading in the Stretch Zone means asking more questions than giving answers.

Instead of “Here’s what you should do…”, ask: “What options are you considering?” “What would you do if I weren’t here?”

Grab the full toolkit:​
Want the full walkthrough and framework you can use in your next 1:1 or team meeting?

Cheers,
Shaun