This is part 3 of a series of 18 articles I wrote for Entrepreneur.com.

---

“Set achievable goals” sounds like responsible advice. It’s not. It’s a ceiling disguised as a floor.

Most people chronically underestimate what they’re capable of. When my team presented a plan for 50% growth, I asked what 500% would require. Not because I expected them to hit it — but because the exercise forced everyone to rethink their approach entirely. We didn’t hit 500%, but we blew past 50%.

The catch? You can’t just throw big numbers at people and call it leadership. Ambitious goals without genuine support breed resentment, not motivation. You need to actually back people with resources, remove blockers, and build the kind of relationship where they trust your push isn’t reckless.

Read the full article on Entrepreneur.com

---

Previously: Be a Coach, Not a Referee | Next up: Should I Tell My Boss About This?