Vagueness: The Silent Enemy Holding You Back

Want more success as a leader in your organization? Set more specific intentions. Intentions are a fancy way to describe what is more commonly referred to as, to-do lists and tasks. Let’s start out with some science. Over the last few decades, NYU researcher Peter Gollwitzer has been one of the most important contributors to the field of intention and goal setting. 

Gollwitzer, perhaps best known for his groundbreaking research on the importance of not only setting intentions but also making them very specific. His research would suggest, while we often achieve our vague intentions, specific intentions greatly increase our odds of overall success.

In summary, work to-do lists that are vague hold you back from getting things done. They lack the specificity needed to drive action and inspire the execution on your business goals and mission.

John Grover is the Chief People Officer and Owner of Endsight. John received his MBA from the University of Phoenix, a bachelor's degree from Auburn University, and earned technical certifications from both Microsoft and Cisco. He was also recently accepted into Harvard Business School's Certificate of Management Excellence program. John is a lifelong learner, constantly pursuing expanding his understanding both inside and outside the classroom. In addition to being an avid mountain biker and surfer, John is dedicated to reading over 50 books a year to improve himself as a leader, father, husband, and athlete. He is also passionate about empowering others to do the same. In the last year, John has written over 60 articles on such topics as leadership, company values, and learning.