Someone was concerned about the process of granting access to our systems to an affiliated company, they wanted it to be smooth and other units from ORIX to help with the process. They had a negative perspective thinking they would not get the help they needed, instead of being a rescuer and agreeing, I started asking questions on the concerns and we ended up with action steps to prevent these concerns.

I find it easier to be in coach mode, what are your options? What do you want? Etc than a challenger. In my mind, coaching can be done without knowing the answer, it can be a dual learning process. but to enter challenger mode I feel like there is some level of superiority needed and / or knowing the right path. For example, to tell someone "you are better than this" you have to know what better looks like under the circumstances, otherwise how could you say you are better than this? Something like that could be condescending if used in the wrong place. Coaching does not feel as dangerous.  I know they are both needed, but one is easier than the other for me.

In one of our ILP calls my subgroup discussed how it was harder to be a coach or challenger to people with more seniority. Also I imagine it is more challenging to play such roles to non direct reports. When power is not on your side, you need some stronger leadership skills...