If you want people to do their best, you’ve got to understand it’s a two-part system. It’s not just about the destination, it’s about fueling the entire journey.
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Meaning
At its heart, this is about human psychology. It’s the simple, powerful formula for unlocking potential: Direction plus Validation equals Peak Performance.
Explanation
Let me break down why this works so well in the real world. The “clear goals” part? That’s the map. It eliminates ambiguity and tells your team exactly what “north” looks like. Without it, even the most talented people are just guessing, and that’s a massive energy drain.
But here’s the part most managers miss—the “praise their progress.” See, a goal can feel distant. Daunting, even. When you actively notice and praise the small wins along the way, you’re providing the fuel. You’re lighting up the reward centers in the brain. It tells them they’re on the right track, that their effort matters, and it builds this incredible momentum that carries them all the way to the finish line. It’s the difference between a long, silent slog and a cheered-on marathon.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Skill (416) |
| Topics | goals (48), management (20), motivation (113) |
| Emotion / Mood | motivating (311) |
| Overall Quote Score | 78 (178) |
Origin & Factcheck
This wisdom comes straight from Brian Tracy’s 2001 book, Hire and Keep the Best People. Tracy, a Canadian-American motivational speaker and self-development author, packed decades of business and sales experience into that book. You sometimes see similar sentiments floating around, but this specific, elegant phrasing is his.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Brian Tracy (375) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | Hire and Keep the Best People (56) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Contemporary (1615) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Brian Tracy, a prolific author gained global reputation because of his best seller book list such as Eat That Frog!, Goals!, and The Psychology of Selling, and created influential audio programs like The Psychology of Achievement. He is sought after guru for personal development and business performance. Brian Tracy International, coaches millions of professionals and corporates on sales, goal setting, leadership, and productivity.
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | If you want people to do their best, give them clear goals and praise their progress |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2001; ISBN: 978-1576751275; Last edition: 2001, Berrett-Koehler Publishers; Number of pages: 112. |
| Where is it? | Chapter: Motivation through Goals; Approximate page from 2001 edition |