Behind The X's & O's of Business — challenger

Every organization needs someone willing to notice the risk everyone else is ignoring. The Protector sees what could go wrong and wants to guard the people, business, or mission from unnecessary harm. That's a strength—until protection becomes resistance to anything unfamiliar. Because sometimes the greatest risk isn't moving too quickly. Sometimes it's becoming so committed to keeping what we have safe that we never allow it to become what it could be.

Some of the most valuable people on a team are the ones willing to say, “I don't think that's going to work.” That can be uncomfortable—especially when they're challenging our idea. But before we label someone difficult, maybe there's a better question: What does their strength require from me?