Preparing Your Team for Challenges

The difference between teams that perform well under pressure and teams that don't often comes down to preparation. Great preparation removes surprises, builds confidence, and creates conditions for strong performance.

Pre-Challenge Communication

Set Clear Expectations

Before the challenge day, ensure everyone understands:

• What type of challenges will be given (branding, marketing, product-ux, or mix)
• Time frame for the challenge (typically 15-30 minutes)
• Format: individual or collaborative, observed or observed
• How solutions will be evaluated
• What happens after (feedback, scoring, next steps)

Discuss the Purpose

• Is this an assessment, learning opportunity, or hiring evaluation?
• How does this fit into bigger team/hiring goals?
• What will success look like?

Share Resources

• Point to examples of strong challenge solutions
• Share the whiteboard challenge fundamentals
• Provide links to preparation guides and practice materials
• Offer practice opportunities well in advance

Physical and Environmental Preparation

Whiteboard Setup

• Ensure boards are clean and in good working condition
• Have multiple marker colors available (helps with visual organization)
• Test markers before the session (dried-out markers cause frustration)
• Have erasers or spray cleaner ready
• Leave at least one full board clean for the first challenge

Space and Seating

• Ensure the whiteboard is clearly visible from all seats
• Arrange seating so everyone can see and be seen (U-shape or open rectangle)
• Test sightlines: can everyone see the board and each other?
• Minimize distractions: quiet room, close unnecessary windows/doors

Technical Setup (for recorded sessions)

• Test recording equipment well in advance
• Ensure camera angle captures both performer and whiteboard clearly
• Check audio quality: can you hear the performer clearly?
• Have backup recording device in case of technical failure

Preparing Challenge Content

Challenge Selection Criteria

• Appropriate for team's experience level (not too easy, not impossibly hard)
• Representative of real hiring challenges your company uses
• Varied types to test different thinking approaches
• Clear problem statements with minimal ambiguity

Challenge Brief Preparation

For each challenge, prepare:

• Clear problem statement (read aloud takes 30-60 seconds)
• Any clarifying information (company type, constraints, success metrics)
• Reference materials (competitor products, company background)
• Time frame and format expectations

Creating a Fair Challenge Environment

• Give all participants the same information at the same time
• Don't answer questions differently for different people
• If someone asks a clarifying question, share the answer with the whole group
• Use the same time frame and success criteria for everyone

Mental Preparation

Before the Session Begins

• Have everyone arrive 10-15 minutes early to settle in
• Keep the mood light and casual
• Remind people this is an opportunity to practice and learn
• Share the agenda and timing so there are no surprises

Nervousness and Anxiety

It's normal to feel nervous. Acknowledge this:

• "Most people find their heart racing a bit - that's normal and it passes"
• "Take a breath before you start, and remember to articulate your thinking"
• "There's no 'right answer' - we're evaluating your process, not your solution"

Building Confidence

• Remind people of their past successes and strengths
• Emphasize that you've all done the preparation work
• Frame this as an opportunity to show what they know, not a test they might fail
• Point out that everyone in the room has struggled with these challenges before

Day-Of Logistics

Arrival and Setup (15 minutes before)

• Greet everyone warmly as they arrive
• Ensure everyone has what they need (water, coffee, etc.)
• Do a quick tech check if recording
• Have people settle into their seats

Opening (5 minutes)

• Brief welcome and thanks for everyone's participation
• Explain the session format and timing
• Clarify that the goal is practice and learning
• Outline what happens after (feedback, next steps)

Challenge Introduction (2-3 minutes)

• Read the challenge brief clearly and completely
• Invite clarifying questions before starting
• Answer all questions before the participant begins work
• Start the timer and wish them well

Maintaining Energy and Engagement

During the Challenge

• Watch attentively (not distractedly)
• Take notes on key moments and decisions
• Avoid interrupting or offering feedback until time is up
• Monitor energy - are people engaged? struggling? confused?

Managing Multiple Challenges

• Vary challenge types to keep sessions fresh
• Vary difficulty to give everyone some wins
• Watch for fatigue: 2-3 challenges per session is usually optimal
• Take breaks between challenges to reset

Accessibility and Inclusion

Different Learning and Performance Styles

• Some people need silence to think, others think out loud
• Some prefer to sketch first, others prefer to talk through ideas
• Some work faster under pressure, others need time to think
• Acknowledge and validate different approaches

Making Space for Everyone

• Ensure challenges aren't biased toward particular design backgrounds
• Offer accommodations if people need them (extra time, different format, etc.)
• Create an environment where people feel safe struggling and learning
• Celebrate diverse solutions and thinking approaches

Post-Challenge Care

Immediate Feedback

• Thank the performer warmly
• Share immediate positive observations
• Let them know deeper feedback is coming

Follow-Up Communication

• Share recordings and notes within 24-48 hours
• Provide written feedback alongside verbal feedback
• Offer resources for continued improvement
• Explain next steps clearly

The best challenge environments are those where people feel prepared, supported, and safe taking risks. This is what allows peak performance to emerge.