Extrinsic motivators that are set by others narrow our focus. “If you will…, then you will get…”-kind of goals limit our perception and imagination. We are so focused on fulfilling those certain “ifs” that we forget a bigger picture. This is especially true for creative or complex tasks. Setting “if-then” goals can hinder our innovation and close us in the box. Not to mention that it can lead to unethical behavior that will ensure goals are reached not matter what. However, so many companies keep or promote MBO systems (Management by Objectives).
Why? Perhaps it is not so easy to stop or too difficult to propose an alternative?
