Are You Setting Effective Goals? with Edwin Locke

Making Positive Psychology Work

Edwin Locke is the Dean’s Professor of Motivation and Leadership Emeritus at the University of Maryland. He has published over 300 chapters and articles in professional journals on topics such as motivation, job satisfaction, incentives and the philosophy of science. He is internationally known for his research on goal-setting.

Goals are critical in helping us create change in our lives, and yet most people struggle to stick with the goals they set. In this conversation, you’ll hear Ed explain the importance of setting goals and what his 35 years of research has discovered about setting effective goals and why SMART goals may not be as smart as you thought they were.

Connect with Edwin Locke:

Website: http://edwinlocke.com

You’ll Learn:

• [01:37] – Ed explains that life is a goal-directed process and if we remain passive in setting goals it’s unlikely we will thrive.
• [04:44] – Ed shares why people struggle with goals.
• [06:14] – Ed explains why we should be setting difficult goals for ourselves.
• [07:08] – Ed describes the difference between a performance goal and a learning goal.
• [09:18] – Ed explains why SMART goals are incomplete.
• [10:55] – Ed shares the power of goal hierarchies and how to avoid goal conflicts.
• [12:16] – Ed reminds us that it’s important to set goals for your own life and not setting goals to “show off” or goals based on someone else’s life.
• [13:45] – Ed explains why “emotional intelligence” is over-rated for leadership.
• [15:00] – The Lightning Round with Ed Locke

Your Resources:

• American Psychologist Article – Building A Useful Theory Of Goal Setting & Task Motivation
• Selfish Path to Romance: How to Love with Passion and Reason – Edwin Locke and Ellen Kenner
• New Developments in Goal Setting and Task Performance – Edwin Locke and Gary Latham

Thanks for listening!

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Special thanks to Ed for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!