Why Some Performance Goals Can Backfire

Every performance management training program tells you to establish clear goals for your team members in order to encourage greater effort and measure improved performance.

But there is a down side if you are not careful. Too many or too consistently difficult-to-achieve performance goals can backfire. Instead of inspiring more energetic effort, such goals can discourage workers until they give up trying.

Think of how you would feel if, time after time, despite your sincere attempts, you failed at achieving the stretch goals your manager set for you. You are apt to believe that you will never make the grade. You become so discouraged that you are defeated even before you begin.

As a manager, stretch goals can set the bar high and motivate your team to ever greater performance. But don’t overdo it. One stretch goal at a time interspersed with more achievable goals will keep your team focused and on track.

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