* Assessment refers to a diagnosis of the current state of the individual or organization in terms of leadership capacity. These data help to clarify what needs to be learned, improved or changed. The data can come from oneself (e.g., self-reflection, scores on personality inventories) or from others (e.g., feedback, customer evaluations). Good assessment data also provides the motivation to close the gap between the current and an ideal future state. If no gap exists, this assessment data can still be helpful in terms of enhancing self-confidence.
* Challenge occurs when current capabilities are tested. More challenging experiences are those that require some stretch out of comfortable and habitual ways of thinking and acting. It involves some willingness for risk-taking and feeling a little (or a lot) uncomfortable. It is through taking on a developmental challenge that the limits of how things are normally done become apparent. Challenges are motivating in terms of the desire to master a new skill or way of thinking. Challenges also offer the opportunity for experimentation and exposure to new perspectives. * Support in the form of positive reinforcement from co-workers, bosses and the broader environment helps to build self-confidence and master the challenge at hand. Developmental challenges are often difficult physically, psychologically and emotionally. Without substantial support, it is hard to bring about lasting changes at an individual, group or organizational level. As noted in several places in this report, sending a changed person into an unsupportive interpersonal environment is one way that organizations waste their resource investments in development.