Research suggests that individuals can achieve an improvement in work performance by as much as 20-25% simply by goal setting. Does that statement make you want to read further? If this type of return on investment was the next big deal on Wall Street, I would have everyone’s attention. Goal setting is not a new concept yet surprisingly, it is often ignored or forgotten.

“Hey you. Yeah, you over there. What are you doing?” “If I don’t see that report on my desk by 3:00, you are fired!” It is amazing how powerful just a few words can be. Words can be used to put down, degrade, and discourage or to build up, edify, and encourage. Managers who try to lead with a command and control approach will likely get only what they ask for and not much more, but team members will not be motivated to be highly successful. A great leader is one who motivates others in a positive way and inspires them to accomplish tasks and assignments with effectiveness. The motivation of a team or workforce doesn’t necessarily lie on the teammates or the co-workers themselves, rather in the leader and coach who guides them.