Goal setting is a common tool used by leaders and individuals. In a professional environment especially, it is important that challenging goal setting is implemented to stretch the performance of an individual or team. Setting goals that are too easy to achieve can lead to a team member settling into a comfort zone or acquiring a false sense of confidence due to easy success. Challenging goal setting is designed to bring the best out in an individual and has multiple benefits.
Focus
Challenging goal setting can help an individual focus on the task ahead. A challenging goal will likely require a short- and long-term action plan. According to goal setting literature published on the iStadia Web site, challenging and effective goals can give you a "motivational focus; a purpose if you like." When you have a set of clear and challenging goals, it is easy to look into the future and see the direction you wish your efforts to take you in.
Motivation
Motivation researcher Dr. Edwin Locke stated that clear goals and appropriate feedback had a distinct impact on employee motivation. When you have a specific and achievable goal to aim at, you are motivated to produce the behaviors required to achieve that goal. Whether in work or sports, people are motivated to achieve, and only challenging and effective goals can bring the best out of someone in regards to performance.
Measuring Stick
Challenging goal setting is an effective self-regulation tool. Setting a goal and monitoring your performance allows you to track your progress along the way, evaluating how far away you are and taking confidence from the progress you make.
Unity
In a team or group environment, challenging goal setting can encourage a team spirit and get all team members united and focused on achieving a common aim. According to the Success Factors Web site, setting effective goals allows employers to "engage their workforce and encourage employees to focus and successfully achieve goals together."
Confidence
Setting challenging and effective goals allows you to progress toward them and achieve success. As the Montgomery Schools, Maryland Web site explains, accomplishing set goals gives you "a sense of past victories." Setting a series of short-term goals building up to a long-term goal provides confidence as you beat personal bests and take steps on the road to success.
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