What must goals be clear and specific about to enhance motivation?

Goals must be clear and specific about specificity to enhance motivation because specific goals provide a clear direction and a tangible target for individuals or teams to aim for. When goals are articulated in concrete terms, it allows individuals to understand exactly what is expected of them, making it easier to focus their efforts and measure their progress. This clarity helps to reduce ambiguity and instills a sense of purpose, which can significantly boost motivation.

Specificity also enables individuals to monitor their performance against the goal, fostering a sense of achievement as they witness tangible progress. For instance, a goal such as "increase sales by 20% in the next quarter" is much clearer and more motivating than a vague statement like "improve sales." By knowing precisely what they are working towards, individuals can allocate their resources and time more effectively, leading to higher levels of commitment and engagement in their tasks.

When goals lack specificity, it can lead to confusion and a lack of direction, which diminishes motivation and engagement. Therefore, having specific goals is essential in enhancing motivation and driving performance.