How To Set Stretch Goals and Keep Your Team Motivated

Introduction.

When it comes to building a successful team, motivation is everything. But staying motivated isn’t always easy, especially when goals feel too small or too far out of reach. That’s where stretch goals come in.

Stretch goals are big, ambitious objectives that push people to go beyond their comfort zones. They’re not just about achieving something; they’re about growth, creativity, and unlocking potential.

But here’s the tricky part: setting stretch goals the wrong way can backfire, leaving your team stressed out or burned out.

So how do you strike that balance between challenging and overwhelming? And how do you keep the energy alive once those goals are in place?

I’ll walk you through what stretch goals are, how to set them effectively, and how to keep the whole team engaged and excited about reaching them.

What are Stretch Goals and Why Do They Matter?

A stretch goal is an intentionally ambitious target. Unlike regular goals, which are often realistic and achievable, stretch goals aim high.

For example, if a team’s usual sales target is $50,000 a month, a stretch goal might bump that up to $70,000 or more.

The idea isn’t just about hitting the number; it’s about encouraging the team to think creatively, work harder, and find new ways to succeed.

Research from Harvard Business Review has shown that ambitious goals can lead to higher performance, provided they’re set up correctly.

Stretch goals can:

• Inspire innovation: They encourage people to think outside the box.
• Build resilience: Achieving something tough boosts confidence.
• Strengthen teamwork: Teams often work more closely when tackling a big challenge.

But they can also lead to frustration if they’re too unrealistic or if there’s no plan to support the team along the way. That’s why the way you set these goals is so important.

How Do I Set Stretch Goals That Work

1. Start With a Clear Vision.

Before setting a stretch goal, it’s important to know what you’re aiming for. Ask yourself:

• What’s the big picture?
• Why is this goal important?

For example, if the goal is to increase sales, think about why that matters. Is it to expand the business? Enter a new market? Knowing the “why” gives the goal purpose and helps your team stay focused.

2. Make It Specific and Measurable.

Stretch goals should be ambitious, but they also need to be clear. Instead of saying, “Let’s improve customer service,” try “Let’s reduce customer complaints by 50% in six months.” A specific target gives the team something concrete to work toward.

3. Balance Ambition with Realism.

While stretch goals should be challenging, they shouldn’t feel impossible. If the team’s current capacity doesn’t support the goal, frustration will set in fast. The sweet spot is a goal that makes people think, “This is tough, but we can do it if we push ourselves.”

4. Break It Down.

A big goal can feel overwhelming, so break it into smaller milestones. For instance, if the stretch goal is to double website traffic in a year, set monthly or quarterly targets. This makes progress easier to track and celebrate.

5. Provide the Right Resources.

Ambitious goals require support. Make sure your team has the tools, training, and time they need to succeed. For example, if you’re asking them to learn new software, provide tutorials and extra time to get comfortable with it.

6. Communicate Clearly.

Transparency is key. Let the team know why the stretch goal matters, how it fits into the bigger picture, and what their role is in achieving it. Open communication builds trust and keeps everyone on the same page.

Keeping Your Team Motivated

Once the goal is set, the real work begins. Motivation can waver, especially when the going gets tough. Here’s how to keep the energy up:

1. Celebrate Small Wins.

Recognize progress along the way. Whether it’s hitting a milestone or making a breakthrough, celebrating wins keeps morale high and reminds the team that their hard work is paying off.

2. Offer Regular Feedback.

Keep the lines of communication open. Regular check-ins give you a chance to address challenges, provide encouragement, and ensure everyone stays aligned.

3. Lead by Example.

Show your team that you’re committed to the goal. If they see you putting in the effort, they’re more likely to follow suit.

4. Focus on Growth, Not Perfection.

Stretch goals are about progress, not perfection. Remind your team that it’s okay to fall short sometimes. What matters is learning from the experience and growing stronger for the next challenge.

5. Create a Positive Environment.

A supportive, positive atmosphere makes all the difference. Encourage collaboration, celebrate creativity, and make space for open communication.

FAQs

Q: What if my team doesn’t hit the stretch goal?

A: That’s okay! The point of a stretch goal is to push boundaries. Even if the goal isn’t fully met, your team has likely achieved more than they would have with a smaller target. Focus on what went well and what can be improved next time.

Q: How often should I set stretch goals?

A: It depends on your team and the nature of the work. Stretch goals can be set quarterly, annually, or for specific projects. Just make sure they’re not so frequent that they lose their impact.

Q: How do I know if a stretch goal is too ambitious?

A: If the goal feels impossible or the team consistently falls short, it might be too much. Look at past performance and resources to gauge what’s realistic.

Conclusion

Stretch goals can transform the way a team works. They encourage innovation, foster collaboration, and push everyone to be their best.

But they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. The key is to set goals that are ambitious yet achievable, and to support your team every step of the way.

What’s the next big stretch goal you’ll set for your team?