Why The Best Organizations Run on Push Back

How do you define a ‘challenge culture’—and why is it so important to have one?

In a challenge culture, people are encouraged — even expected — to question the status quo and push back on long-held assumptions. Employees are not afraid to speak up or to question their bosses and peers, and they feel confident that they won’t face repercussions if they do. In today’s world, such a culture is essential to every organization’s survival. Only through questioning, pushback and debate can you remain relevant.

Many people view ‘challenge’ as a negative word. What do you say to them?

That is true, and it’s the reason I always put the term together with ‘culture’. In a challenge culture, questioning someone is intended to be a positive thing and discourse is always civil. Challenge is very different from confrontation: It does not involve attack, intimidation or bullying. Questioning, discourse and pushback are intended to generate learning, stimulate ideas, foster innovation and build healthy relationships.

Challenge should always