---
title: Want Growth? Focus on Effort, Not Outcomes
description: To develop superior performance in others, you must focus on effort.  The focus on results kills the opportunity for learning, and can lead to numerous bad habits.
---

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# [Want Growth? Focus on Effort, Not Outcomes](https://www.liftenablement.com/blog/want-growth-focus-on-effort-not-outcomes)

 Written by [Doug Davidoff](https://www.liftenablement.com/blog/author/doug-davidoff) | Nov 17, 2010 11:42:00 AM

Over the last two years, I’ve become increasingly aware of a fatal flaw in my management (and parenting) style.  I’ve always focused on and favored outcomes.  I’ve learned (full disclosure:  I’m learning) that focusing on effort may be far more effective in driving performance.

For years, I’ve prided myself on being task oriented.  I’ve set results-based goals and chafed when asked about activity.

I admit that I simplified business, and life, into two paradigms:

I’m learning that it’s not really a battle between these two paradigms, but rather the integration of both paradigms.  Business and life are about quality activity and both are critically important.

I’m no less focused on the importance of the results, but I’m fast gaining an understanding that I must focus equally on the quality of the effort and activity.  The failure to focus on either creates a fatal flaw.

To develop superior performance in others, you must focus on effort.  The focus on results kills the opportunity for learning, and can lead to numerous bad habits.  Chief among them:

[View full post](https://www.liftenablement.com/blog/want-growth-focus-on-effort-not-outcomes)

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