I read a post on LinkedIn that said, “10 Things That Don’t Require Talent.” One of the lines in the posters comments read, “Talent isn’t everything when it comes to achieving success.” And then listed 10 behaviors they list as “skills,” that really didn’t require much, if any, talent…but every single one required effort in order to complete them. So, in response to the LinkedIn post I replied, “They may not require talent, but they all require EFFORT.”
This post caused me to reflect today that I was intently concerned about their effort when they were younger because I would always comment on their “level of effort” and how it was important for their success in life and to get anything done, like homework, completing chores, sports, hobbies, etc. Reflecting back now I can say I was a bit of a jerk when it came to this topic. I mentioned this to a friend and his comment was that they are successful adults today because of me teaching them that effort was important, and their level of effort helped determined their success.
I continued thinking about how I dealt with my kids and why it was so important to me to talk about their effort and their level of effort. Then I broke down my thoughts into these two questions from a leadership/followership perspective: 1. Is effort really required to complete tasks, and 2. Is level of effort important for success? I then considered what the research said about these two questions.
In reflecting on the first question, is effort really required to complete tasks, this is what I determined:
Effort is important for success for several reasons:
Achieving Goals: Success often involves achieving specific goals or objectives. Putting in effort is necessary to make progress toward these goals and eventually reach them. Goal-Setting Theory (Locke and Latham): Edwin A. Locke and Gary P. Latham are well-known for their research on goal-setting theory. Their work has shown that setting specific and challenging goals can lead to higher performance and motivation. The level of effort put into achieving these goals is a critical factor in their success. Various motivation theories, including Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Expectancy Theory, and the Self-Determination Theory, all provide insights into the factors that influence effort and goal achievement.
Skill Development: Effort is a key driver of skill development. By putting in the time and energy to practice and improve, individuals can acquire the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in their chosen field. Deliberate Practice (Ericsson, Krampe, and Tesch-Römer) is the concept of deliberate practice, popularized by psychologist Anders Ericsson, emphasizes the importance of focused, intentional effort in skill development. Research in this area suggests that individuals who engage in deliberate practice, which involves identifying weaknesses and working on them systematically, tend to achieve higher levels of expertise in their chosen domains. Expertise and Skill Acquisition (Chi, Glaser, and Farr) Research on expertise and skill acquisition, such as the work of Chi, Glaser, and Farr, highlights the role of effort in progressing from novice to expert. Skill development often involves moving through various stages, and effort is essential in each stage of this progression.
Persistence: Success rarely comes easily. It often requires overcoming challenges, setbacks, and obstacles. Effort and persistence are essential for pushing through difficulties and not giving up in the face of adversity. Research on Goal Persistence and Achievement by Charles S. Carver and Michael F. Scheier on the self-regulation of behavior and goal pursuit highlights the role of effort and persistence in achieving goals. They emphasize that effort and persistence are key factors in maintaining motivation and working toward desired outcomes. Angela Duckworth’s research on grit has demonstrated that individuals with elevated levels of grit are more likely to persist in their pursuits. Grit is defined as a combination of passion and perseverance, and it reflects a long-term commitment to achieving goals through sustained effort.
Adaptability: Putting in effort allows individuals to adapt to changing circumstances and learn from their experiences. This adaptability can be a valuable trait in a rapidly changing world. Research by Ann Masten and others on Resilience and Adaptation. Resilience highlights the role of effort and adaptive strategies in overcoming adversity. Resilience involves the ability to bounce back from challenges, and it often requires sustained effort and coping mechanisms. Psychological flexibility, as discussed in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) developed by Steven C. Hayes, involves the ability to adapt to changing situations while maintaining one’s values and goals. Effort is essential in developing and applying psychological flexibility. Research by Roy Baumeister and Kathleen Vohs on self-regulation and self-control suggests that individuals who can exert effort to regulate their behavior are better equipped to adapt to challenging situations and achieve long-term goals.
Building Confidence: The sense of accomplishment that comes from putting in effort and achieving success can boost self-confidence and motivate individuals to continue striving for more significant achievements. Albert Bandura’s self-efficacy theory is central to understanding the role of effort in building confidence. Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s belief in their ability to succeed in a specific task or situation. Research has shown that self-efficacy can be enhanced through mastery experiences, which are achieved through effort and practice. Robert Zimmerman and Dale Schunk’s research on self-regulation and learning emphasizes the importance of mastery experiences in building confidence. Effort and repeated success in challenging tasks lead to greater confidence in one’s abilities.
Resilience: Effort helps build resilience, which is the ability to bounce back from failures and setbacks. Resilient individuals are better equipped to handle adversity and continue pursuing their goals. Researchers like Ann Masten have dedicated their work to studying resilience. Their research underscores that resilience is not an inherent trait but can be developed over time with effort, adaptation, and coping strategies. Angela Duckworth’s concept of grit emphasizes passion and perseverance in the pursuit of long-term goals. Gritty individuals invest effort and persist in the face of challenges, which contributes to their resilience.
Personal Growth: The journey to success often involves personal growth and self-discovery. Putting in effort can lead to personal development, increased self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of one’s strengths and weaknesses. Carol Dweck’s research on mindset theory emphasizes that individuals with a growth mindset believe that abilities can be developed through effort and learning. This mindset is associated with a greater willingness to embrace challenges and pursue personal growth. Self-Determination Theory (Deci and Ryan) posits that intrinsic motivation, driven by personal interest and the desire for mastery, fosters personal growth. Effort in pursuing intrinsically motivated goals leads to increased self-determination and well-being.
Responsibility: Effort reflects one’s commitment and responsibility towards their goals and aspirations. It demonstrates a willingness to take ownership of one’s path to success. Lawrence Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development suggests that individuals progress through stages of moral reasoning. As people develop a sense of moral responsibility, they may make more thoughtful and effortful choices in alignment with their values. This is further developed by research by Albert Bandura on self-regulation and self-efficacy emphasizes how individuals can exert effort to take control and responsibility for their actions, leading to a sense of agency and self-determination. Decision-Making and Responsibility (Tversky and Kahneman) research in behavioral economics and decision-making highlights the effort involved in making choices and taking responsibility for the consequences of those decisions.
Competitive Advantage: In competitive environments, those who consistently put in more effort and work harder are more likely to stand out and excel. Effort can be a competitive advantage. Michael Porter’s work on Competitive Advantage emphasizes the importance of operational efficiency and continuous improvement. Effort is required to optimize processes, reduce costs, and provide better value to customers.
Long-Term Satisfaction: Success achieved through sustained effort often leads to greater long-term satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. It can provide a lasting sense of fulfillment. . Locke and Latham’s research on Goal-setting Theory underscores Goal Achievement and Satisfaction in that setting specific and challenging goals can contribute to long-term satisfaction. The effort and commitment put into achieving these goals are essential for life satisfaction.
While effort is essential for success, it’s important to understand that success is not solely determined by effort alone. Other factors, such as opportunity, resources, timing, and external support, and many other factors also play a role. However, effort is a critical component of achievement and success in obtaining or reaching goals that individuals can control and use to maximize their chances of achieving their goals and realizing their potential. Then I considered the second question, is the level of effort important for success.
The level of effort required can vary depending on the nature of the task, its complexity, and your skills and experience among other situational factors. Some reasons why the level of effort is necessary to complete tasks are:
Overcoming Inertia: Newton’s first law of motion states that an object at rest tends to stay at rest, and an object in motion tends to stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force. Inertia is a manifestation of this law. To change the state of rest or motion, an external force must be applied, which requires effort. This principle applies to physical objects and can be metaphorically extended to human behavior. Most tasks require you to act and overcome the initial inertia or resistance to getting started. Putting in some type of effort is needed to initiate and sustain the work depending on what the task is. Research on the concept of overcoming inertia, particularly in the context of human behavior and motivation, may not be explicitly framed as “overcoming inertia,” but rather as research on change, habit formation, goal pursuit, and motivation. Effort is a key component in these areas, as it’s essential for breaking through inertia.
Problem Solving: Many tasks involve problem-solving and decision-making, which require mental effort to analyze options and make choices. Cognitive Load Theory (Sweller, Chandler, Kalyuga), explores the relationship between cognitive load and problem-solving. Research in this field has shown that matching the level of cognitive load (effort) to the complexity of the problem is crucial for successful problem-solving. Overloading or underloading cognitive resources can impede problem-solving efficiency.
Concentration and Focus: Tasks often require concentration and focus, which demand cognitive effort to stay on track and avoid distractions. Attentional Control and Effort (Posner and Petersen), research on attentional control emphasizes that the allocation of effort is necessary for focusing attention on specific tasks or stimuli. Effortful control is essential for directing and sustaining attention. Mindfulness and Concentration (Lutz, Slagter, & Davidson): Research on mindfulness meditation has shown that individuals can enhance their concentration and focus through practice and effort in cultivating mindfulness techniques. Executive Functions and Effort (Diamond): Executive functions, including working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility, play a role in concentration and focus. These functions require effort to deploy and sustain.
Time and Patience: Some tasks take time and patience to complete, and effort may be the only thing that is needed to persevere and stay committed to the task. Delay Discounting Studies (Ainslie) is the tendency to devalue delayed rewards compared to immediate ones. Research in this area explores how individuals can increase their patience through strategies that require effort, such as cognitive reappraisal of rewards or learning to tolerate delays.
Skill Development: If a task requires specific skills or knowledge, effort is needed to acquire the knowledge and apply those skills effectively. Deliberate Practice Theory (Ericsson, Krampe, and Tesch-Römer): Research on deliberate practice emphasizes that skill development is a function of effort, practice, and specific training activities designed to improve performance. Deliberate practice is characterized by intense effort and focus on weaknesses. Expertise and Skill Acquisition (Chi, Glaser, & Farr): Research on expertise highlights that experts are distinguished by the deliberate, effortful practice they undertake to reach high levels of proficiency in their domains.
Multistep Processes: Complex tasks often involve multiple steps or stages, each of which requires effort to complete. Imagine building a shelter in the woods with only a small hatchet and a knife. How much effort is that going to take? Cognitive Psychology (Anderson, Hayes, & Reder): Research in cognitive psychology has shown that working memory and executive functions, which require effort, are vital for planning, organizing, and executing multi-step processes. Effortful cognitive processes help individuals keep track of task sequences and goals. Task Switching and Cognitive Flexibility (Rogers & Monsell): Multi-step processes often involve switching between different tasks or sub-tasks. Research on task switching and cognitive flexibility demonstrates that effort and cognitive control are needed to transition smoothly between tasks.
Prioritization and Planning: Effort is needed to prioritize tasks, create a plan, and manage time effectively to ensure tasks are completed on schedule. Project Management and Organizational Psychology (Pinto & Slevin, Turner & Müller): Research in project management and organizational psychology shows that successful prioritization and planning involve effort in setting clear objectives, managing resources, and adhering to project schedules. Research in cognitive load theory (Sweller, Chandler, Kalyuga) suggests that effective prioritization and planning strategies can reduce cognitive load, making tasks more manageable and less effortful.
Adaptation to Challenges: Unexpected challenges or changes may arise during the completion of a task, requiring effort to adapt and find solutions. Research on Stress and Coping Strategies (Lazarus and Folkman, Skinner, Carver), emphasizes that effortful coping strategies, such as problem-focused coping and seeking social support, are essential for adapting to and managing challenging situations. Studies on Change and Transition (Bridges, Kubler-Ross), and change management, grief, and loss, show how individuals must put effort into understanding, accepting, and adapting to significant life changes and challenges. Research areas collectively underscore that effort plays a critical role in successfully adapting to challenges, whether they are personal, academic, professional, or related to health and well-being.
Quality and Precision: Tasks often require a certain level of quality and precision, which may demand extra effort to ensure the desired outcome. Effort is a key component in achieving quality and precision in various domains, and research in fields such as quality management, manufacturing, and cognitive psychology provides insights into the relationship between effort and maintaining high standards of quality and precision. Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma: Lean and Six Sigma methodologies focus on reducing defects and errors in manufacturing processes. These approaches require effort in the form of rigorous process analysis, problem-solving, and quality control. Quality Control and Quality Assurance (Deming, Juran, and others) who were pioneers in quality control and assurance stress the significance of effort and commitment to quality standards, which are essential for ensuring product and service precision. Programs like Six Sigma and Data-Driven Decision-Making (Pyzdek and Keller). Six Sigma research highlights the use of data and statistical analysis to drive decision-making, which necessitates effort to collect, analyze, and interpret data accurately.
While the level of effort required may vary from task to task, effort is a fundamental component of completing tasks, achieving goals, and making progress in various aspects of life. It is through matching the level of effort needed to meet the need to overcome obstacles, accomplish objectives, and reach our desired outcomes, which determines our success or less than success.
Putting It All Together:
Effort is crucial for completing tasks successfully. The appropriate level of effort depends on the task’s nature and complexity. Effort is needed to initiate tasks, overcome challenges, stay focused, and maintain commitment. It’s also vital for problem-solving, skill development, and adapting to unforeseen obstacles. Striking the right balance of effort ensures tasks are completed effectively and efficiently, contributing to personal growth, achievement of goals, and overall success in various endeavors. A leader’s attention to a follower’s effort and level of effort, whether a parent with their kids, or an employer, supervisor, etc., is crucial for growth and improvement, performance evaluation, motivation, accountability, feedback, conflict resolution, resource allocation, cultivating a positive work (family) culture, achieving goals, and identifying development opportunities. It ultimately contributes to the overall success and effectiveness of the individual, team or organization… and even a family.
Author(s): Dr. Chris Fuzie
Board Insights | Open Source
Published Online: 2023 Nov – All Rights Reserved.
APA Citation: Fuzie, C. (2023, Nov 5). Why A Person’s Level of Effort (LOE) Should Be Critically Considered. The Journal of Leaderology and Applied Leadership. https://jala.nlainfo.org/why-a-persons-level-of-effort-loe-should-be-critically-considered/
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