How to Help Your Team Hit Their Sweet Spot
Last week on the golf course, I had a humbling realization. I’d spent most of the season trying to conquer courses that were well beyond my skill level—long, punishing layouts that left me frustrated instead of fulfilled. Then, midweek, I played a shorter, more forgiving course. The difference was night and day. My confidence returned, my shots flowed naturally, and for the first time in a while, I actually enjoyed the game. It struck me that this isn’t just true for golf; it’s true for work too. Employees thrive the same way we do when the challenge matches their ability. Too easy, and they stagnate. Too hard, and they lose heart. The key to engagement is finding that sweet spot in between.
The “Sweet Spot”
In HR, we spend a lot of time talking about engagement, motivation, and performance. But beneath all of it sits one simple truth: people do their best work when the difficulty of the task matches their capability. Psychologists call it the flow state: that space where the challenge is enough to stretch someone, but not so much that it breaks them.
In a workplace, that balance can shift easily. Someone who used to thrive under pressure can start to feel defeated when expectations or workloads rise faster than their capacity to adapt. On the flip side, a strong performer who isn’t being stretched enough can quietly lose interest. Either way, the result is disengagement.
When Things Fall Out of Balance
We see this happen often in growing organizations. A company scales quickly, and its best people naturally take on more. Over time, what started as a healthy challenge turns into an unsustainable workload. Their confidence slips, frustration builds, and before long, burnout sets in.
At the same time, junior team members can get stuck in tasks that never evolve. They want to contribute more, but the work doesn’t give them that opportunity. That lack of growth is one of the most common reasons people start looking elsewhere.
The problem usually isn’t a lack of talent… it’s a misalignment between the person and the level of challenge in front of them.
Finding the Sweet Spot
- Check in on expectations regularly.
Roles change quickly, especially in small and mid-sized businesses. Take time every quarter to review whether the responsibilities and goals still fit the person in the role. - Match stretch goals with real support.
Encourage people to take on something new, but make sure they have the tools and coaching to succeed. Growth shouldn’t feel like being thrown in the deep end. - Recognize that “challenging” looks different for everyone.
One employee might light up at the idea of leading a meeting, while another finds it intimidating. Tailor challenges to individual strengths and comfort levels. - Encourage honest conversations about workload.
Employees often hesitate to say when they’re overwhelmed or under-challenged. Create a culture where it’s safe to talk about capacity, so adjustments can be made early. - Use quick feedback loops to stay in tune.
Short pulse surveys, one-on-ones, or informal chats can give you insight into how your team is coping and what they need next to stay engaged.
How HR4U Can Help
At HR4U, we work with organizations to help leaders and employees find that balance. Through leadership coaching, performance management tools, and engagement strategies, we help recalibrate expectations so people can perform confidently and sustainably.
Whether it’s updating job descriptions, setting realistic growth goals, or guiding conversations about workload, our fractional HR services give leaders access to expert advice and structure without the full-time overhead. The result is a stronger, more resilient team that’s challenged, supported, and invested in the company’s success.
The Takeaway
The right level of challenge doesn’t just improve performance… It builds confidence, satisfaction, and retention. When people are working in that sweet spot, they feel more capable, more connected, and more willing to push themselves a little further.
Just like on the golf course, the game feels a whole lot better when it matches your swing.
