Why “giving 110%” won't get you anywhere: On Goal Setting and Specificity

Are you using generic motivational phrases that fall flat in the workplace? While "give 110%" might fire up a little league team, it often leaves professionals scratching their heads. When it comes to leading a team effectively, vague directives just won't cut it. I get it–we all want our teams to go above and beyond, but let's face it, that saying is as unclear as it gets! So, what's the real issue here?

It all comes down to specificity. Imagine telling someone to run a race but not specifying where the finish line is. How can they give their all if they don’t even know where they’re headed? And if they can’t win, what is the point of the race?

You need to give them clear, specific goals instead of feeding them platitudes. In other words, clarity is key. Here are two tips for effective goal setting that will actually help your team achieve more.

1. Set goals you can measure.

Whether it’s boosting sales by a certain percentage or improving customer service response time, make your goals tangible. Your team needs a target they can aim for and rally behind. Nobody is going to get excited about “going 110%”–it’s basically an empty phrase. But with some specific and measurable goals, you can paint a vivid picture of what you want them to achieve. And like the saying goes: if you can dream it, you can do it.

2. Communicate those goals effectively.

We’ve established that specificity is important when it comes to goal-setting, but so is your delivery. Your team needs to understand not just what they’re doing, but why it matters. When they see the bigger picture and how their efforts contribute to that big picture, that’s when the magic happens. Bonus points if you can communicate your goals in a way that makes people laugh.

So, ditch the vague motivational rhetoric, and let’s get specific. Your team deserves clear goals that are clearly communicated. That is going to be your roadmap to success.

Ready to level up your leadership game? Check out my Modern Leader program for some crucial tips on setting goals that work and leading a motivated team.