There’s a common tool used by high performers seeking to improve their results called a forcing function.
A forcing function is a condition you place on yourself to help create or ‘force’ a positive outcome or action.
According to executive coach Chris Sparks, it’s the most effective way to change default behaviors causing poor results.
Forcing functions usually take the form of a commitment or a pre-scheduled event (i.e. function) which forces you to take action and produce a result.
Forcing functions act as buffers from distraction, making it easier to focus on the work that matters the most.
In essence, they are the catalysts that change your future behaviors by realigning your short-term incentives with your long-term goals.
Examples of a forcing function could be a morning meeting with an accountability partner, an appointment with a personal trainer, or a deadline where you’ll have to show your results to others on your team.
Since recruiting requires so much proactive effort with a low frequency of positive feedback, it’s a business process that benefits immensely from a forcing function mentality.
Without something tangible to focus short-term effort, most people fail to consistently execute the activities necessary to succeed.
And mediocre results are all they ever achieve.
