The Goal Gradient Effect on Team Morale

What is the Goal Gradient Effect?

The closer a person is to finish a task or get to the gratification or reward part of their journey, the more motivated and energised the person is towards the completion of the said task.

Another important aspect of this effect which has been gained from research is that the placebo effect is also a tactic which can be implemented here and have a similar effect. Research has indicated that apart from actual progress, even the illusion of progress can create the same level of motivation as real progress. The more visual this illusion is, the higher the motivation.

Challenges

The challenge in Goal Gradient Effect or the downside is that once the said task is completed and the reward achieved, motivation and energy levels for individuals or teams crash immediately. This creates two issues

1. A break between tasks is essential and thus needs to be added into the planning stage of the project
2. In case a break is not possible, not just the quality of work and motivation suffer greatly but also breaks down the work hard, get rewarded cycle.

Real-World Application

What does this mean for Project Managers, Human Resource Professionals and loosely anyone who manages people and teams?

Every team member needs to be guided in the beginning with a clear indication of significant milestones during the project. Starting from scratch with no guidance is never recommended

Introduce colours and visual elements to highlight progress. Visualising progress has a positive effect several times higher than increasing numbers on a spreadsheet.

Once a significant milestone during a project is achieved, apart from visually communicating the same, the same has to be highlighted in other ways. eg a team offsite or an office lunch etc

Keep visible and real distance between these milestones so as to keep motivation levels high as well as the energy maintained to keep up with schedules and deadlines.

Direct engagement with high performing and low performing members of the team on a regular basis is essential. 1v1 meetings are it a conference room, a short walk around the office or a simple 10-minute call on Zoom is enough to keep the team on the same page and avoid future conflicts.