Tim Jackson, Ph.D.
@timjacksonphd.bsky.social
Father, Husband, aspiring pickleballer | Providing advisory & deep expertise on executive leadership development for dynamic & high performance organizations | timjacksonphd.com | jacksonleadership.com
Are stretch goals a powerful tool to create miraculous performance, or motivational poison? In this article I explore three perspectives on this controversial and risky management technique.
www.timjacksonphd.com/stretch-goal...
www.timjacksonphd.com/stretch-goal...
Stretch goals: Panacea, paradox, or poison?
Three perspectives on a controversial and risky motivational tool.
www.timjacksonphd.com
December 16, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Are stretch goals a powerful tool to create miraculous performance, or motivational poison? In this article I explore three perspectives on this controversial and risky management technique.
www.timjacksonphd.com/stretch-goal...
www.timjacksonphd.com/stretch-goal...
In this article published in SmartBrief, I describe the risks of relentless goal pressure in organizations, and how leaders can overcome them by challenging for performance while being thoughtful about people.
www.smartbrief.com/original/how...
www.smartbrief.com/original/how...
How leaders can challenge their teams without being relentless - SmartBrief
Teams need to be challenged to do their best, but Tim Jackson writes that being relentless in pursuing goals can be demotivating.
www.smartbrief.com
December 10, 2025 at 8:16 PM
In this article published in SmartBrief, I describe the risks of relentless goal pressure in organizations, and how leaders can overcome them by challenging for performance while being thoughtful about people.
www.smartbrief.com/original/how...
www.smartbrief.com/original/how...
Reading Schein's "Organizational Culture & Leadership" I found this: CEOs are structurally pushed to financialize people. Not because they're bad humans, but because the role isolates them and measures them purely on financial outcomes.
www.timjacksonphd.com/an-occupatio...
www.timjacksonphd.com/an-occupatio...
An occupational hazard for executives: Financialization
About six months ago I read a book written by a well-known former faculty member at MIT’s business school, Edgar Schein, called Organizational Culture and Leadership.
I had wanted to read the book fo...
www.timjacksonphd.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Reading Schein's "Organizational Culture & Leadership" I found this: CEOs are structurally pushed to financialize people. Not because they're bad humans, but because the role isolates them and measures them purely on financial outcomes.
www.timjacksonphd.com/an-occupatio...
www.timjacksonphd.com/an-occupatio...
Edgar Schein's work reveals a troubling pattern: as executives rise, they manage from a distance and are judged solely on financials. People become abstractions, viewed as costs. It's not that CEOs are bad, but the role creates dangerous gravitational pulls.
www.timjacksonphd.com/an-occupatio...
www.timjacksonphd.com/an-occupatio...
An occupational hazard for executives: Financialization
About six months ago I read a book written by a well-known former faculty member at MIT’s business school, Edgar Schein, called Organizational Culture and Leadership.
I had wanted to read the book fo...
www.timjacksonphd.com
October 29, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Edgar Schein's work reveals a troubling pattern: as executives rise, they manage from a distance and are judged solely on financials. People become abstractions, viewed as costs. It's not that CEOs are bad, but the role creates dangerous gravitational pulls.
www.timjacksonphd.com/an-occupatio...
www.timjacksonphd.com/an-occupatio...
Bottom line mentality might boost short-term performance, but at what cost? Increased cynicism, moral disengagement, and employee cheating aren't sustainable business strategies. www.timjacksonphd.com/bottom-line-...
Bottom-line mentality and its implications for leaders
Introduction In my last article I wrote about directionality in leadership – the notion that leaders benefit from creating some kind of goal, vision, or purpose that helps them animate and motivate…
www.timjacksonphd.com
October 19, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Bottom line mentality might boost short-term performance, but at what cost? Increased cynicism, moral disengagement, and employee cheating aren't sustainable business strategies. www.timjacksonphd.com/bottom-line-...
You want peak performance? Try "Goldilocks bottom line mentality"—not too much, not too little. Research shows moderate bottom-line focus outperforms both extremes. www.timjacksonphd.com/bottom-line-...
Bottom-line mentality and its implications for leaders
Introduction In my last article I wrote about directionality in leadership – the notion that leaders benefit from creating some kind of goal, vision, or purpose that helps them animate and motivate…
www.timjacksonphd.com
October 19, 2025 at 1:55 PM
You want peak performance? Try "Goldilocks bottom line mentality"—not too much, not too little. Research shows moderate bottom-line focus outperforms both extremes. www.timjacksonphd.com/bottom-line-...
Management truth: You'll always be disconnected from what you manage. The skill is staying connected anyway. #leadership
www.timjacksonphd.com/dynamic-bala...
www.timjacksonphd.com/dynamic-bala...
Dynamic balance: The conundrums of management, according to Henry Mintzberg
In my last article, I wrote about a book called ‘Simply Managing’ by the McGill University professor, Henry Mintzberg. In that article I shared some key reflection questions that Mintzberg suggested…
www.timjacksonphd.com
October 18, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Management truth: You'll always be disconnected from what you manage. The skill is staying connected anyway. #leadership
www.timjacksonphd.com/dynamic-bala...
www.timjacksonphd.com/dynamic-bala...
The superficiality trap is real. Schedule thinking time like you schedule meetings. Protect it fiercely. Your team needs you to go deep on the things that matter most. #leadership www.timjacksonphd.com/dynamic-bala...
Dynamic balance: The conundrums of management, according to Henry Mintzberg
In my last article, I wrote about a book called ‘Simply Managing’ by the McGill University professor, Henry Mintzberg. In that article I shared some key reflection questions that Mintzberg suggested…
www.timjacksonphd.com
October 18, 2025 at 1:17 PM
The superficiality trap is real. Schedule thinking time like you schedule meetings. Protect it fiercely. Your team needs you to go deep on the things that matter most. #leadership www.timjacksonphd.com/dynamic-bala...
Your experience during challenge is like a sine wave - constantly shifting. Ultra-marathoner Ihor Verys: "Surf the good times, ride that momentum. When you descend into the dark valley, remember the experience is impermanent and will soon end." 📈📉 www.timjacksonphd.com/an-interview...
An interview with ultra-marathoner Ihor Verys: How to stay resilient when challenging yourself to the limit
Ihor Verys is an ultra-marathon trail runner who regularly wins races through the wilderness that last multiple days and nights. In so doing, he runs hundreds of kilometres at a time, barely eating…
www.timjacksonphd.com
October 18, 2025 at 12:15 AM
Your experience during challenge is like a sine wave - constantly shifting. Ultra-marathoner Ihor Verys: "Surf the good times, ride that momentum. When you descend into the dark valley, remember the experience is impermanent and will soon end." 📈📉 www.timjacksonphd.com/an-interview...
"When I'm in the pain cave, I feel at home. I know how to live there, and get out." The more you expose yourself to discomfort, the more skilled you become with it. You can PRACTICE suffering and improve at it. Wisdom from ultra runner Ihor Verys. 💪 www.timjacksonphd.com/an-interview...
An interview with ultra-marathoner Ihor Verys: How to stay resilient when challenging yourself to the limit
Ihor Verys is an ultra-marathon trail runner who regularly wins races through the wilderness that last multiple days and nights. In so doing, he runs hundreds of kilometres at a time, barely eating…
www.timjacksonphd.com
October 17, 2025 at 11:18 PM
"When I'm in the pain cave, I feel at home. I know how to live there, and get out." The more you expose yourself to discomfort, the more skilled you become with it. You can PRACTICE suffering and improve at it. Wisdom from ultra runner Ihor Verys. 💪 www.timjacksonphd.com/an-interview...
Your bottom line mentality doesn't just affect your direct reports—research shows it even increases work-family conflict for employees' SPOUSES. The ripple effects go further than you think. www.timjacksonphd.com/bottom-line-...
Bottom-line mentality and its implications for leaders
Introduction In my last article I wrote about directionality in leadership – the notion that leaders benefit from creating some kind of goal, vision, or purpose that helps them animate and motivate…
www.timjacksonphd.com
October 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Your bottom line mentality doesn't just affect your direct reports—research shows it even increases work-family conflict for employees' SPOUSES. The ripple effects go further than you think. www.timjacksonphd.com/bottom-line-...
Before your next big decision, ask: "Am I sufficiently well-informed to pass judgment on this? Can I delegate final authorization to someone closer to the action?" Sometimes the best decision is not deciding. #management #delegation www.timjacksonphd.com/the-15-refle...
The 15 reflection questions Henry Mintzberg wants managers to ask themselves
Though there are no easy answers.
www.timjacksonphd.com
October 16, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Before your next big decision, ask: "Am I sufficiently well-informed to pass judgment on this? Can I delegate final authorization to someone closer to the action?" Sometimes the best decision is not deciding. #management #delegation www.timjacksonphd.com/the-15-refle...
Create a "permission structure" for your next team meeting: Add ground rules that make challenging ideas not just acceptable, but expected. Watch how the dynamic shifts when people know it's safe to push back. #leadership #meetings www.timjacksonphd.com/pretty-pleas...
"Pretty please, with sugar on top": Four ways leaders can gain permission to challenge for high-performance
Use these strategies to unlock high-performance dynamics in your team.
www.timjacksonphd.com
October 16, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Create a "permission structure" for your next team meeting: Add ground rules that make challenging ideas not just acceptable, but expected. Watch how the dynamic shifts when people know it's safe to push back. #leadership #meetings www.timjacksonphd.com/pretty-pleas...
Forget SMART goals. Ultra-marathoner Ihor Verys: "Set a goal to be the best version of yourself. Push to your absolute limit. Run until you can't run anymore." When the endpoint isn't clear, focus on process over outcome. You might surprise yourself 🚀 www.timjacksonphd.com/an-interview...
An interview with ultra-marathoner Ihor Verys: How to stay resilient when challenging yourself to the limit
Ihor Verys is an ultra-marathon trail runner who regularly wins races through the wilderness that last multiple days and nights. In so doing, he runs hundreds of kilometres at a time, barely eating…
www.timjacksonphd.com
October 15, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Forget SMART goals. Ultra-marathoner Ihor Verys: "Set a goal to be the best version of yourself. Push to your absolute limit. Run until you can't run anymore." When the endpoint isn't clear, focus on process over outcome. You might surprise yourself 🚀 www.timjacksonphd.com/an-interview...
Leaders shape culture through what they prioritize. If you only value the bottom line, don't be surprised when your team starts hiding information from each other to "win." #leadership
www.timjacksonphd.com/bottom-line-...
www.timjacksonphd.com/bottom-line-...
Bottom-line mentality and its implications for leaders
Introduction In my last article I wrote about directionality in leadership – the notion that leaders benefit from creating some kind of goal, vision, or purpose that helps them animate and motivate…
www.timjacksonphd.com
October 14, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Leaders shape culture through what they prioritize. If you only value the bottom line, don't be surprised when your team starts hiding information from each other to "win." #leadership
www.timjacksonphd.com/bottom-line-...
www.timjacksonphd.com/bottom-line-...
When leaders adopt a bottom line mentality, employees take cues. The result? Social undermining, knowledge hiding, and negative reciprocity cycles that poison workplace culture. #leadership www.timjacksonphd.com/bottom-line-...
Bottom-line mentality and its implications for leaders
Introduction In my last article I wrote about directionality in leadership – the notion that leaders benefit from creating some kind of goal, vision, or purpose that helps them animate and motivate…
www.timjacksonphd.com
October 14, 2025 at 10:03 PM
When leaders adopt a bottom line mentality, employees take cues. The result? Social undermining, knowledge hiding, and negative reciprocity cycles that poison workplace culture. #leadership www.timjacksonphd.com/bottom-line-...
Management reflection exercise: Block 20 minutes this week to journal on these questions: Where do I get my information? What information do I pass along? Do I act too fast or too slow? The answers might surprise you. #leadership #development www.timjacksonphd.com/the-15-refle...
The 15 reflection questions Henry Mintzberg wants managers to ask themselves
Though there are no easy answers.
www.timjacksonphd.com
October 14, 2025 at 12:45 AM
Management reflection exercise: Block 20 minutes this week to journal on these questions: Where do I get my information? What information do I pass along? Do I act too fast or too slow? The answers might surprise you. #leadership #development www.timjacksonphd.com/the-15-refle...
Try this: Ask your team for explicit permission before challenging them on a stretch goal. "Would you be open to me pushing you harder on this?" It's a simple question that transforms the dynamic entirely. #leadership www.timjacksonphd.com/pretty-pleas...
"Pretty please, with sugar on top": Four ways leaders can gain permission to challenge for high-performance
Use these strategies to unlock high-performance dynamics in your team.
www.timjacksonphd.com
October 13, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Try this: Ask your team for explicit permission before challenging them on a stretch goal. "Would you be open to me pushing you harder on this?" It's a simple question that transforms the dynamic entirely. #leadership www.timjacksonphd.com/pretty-pleas...
The "stoke factor" - how much FUN athletes have at high-performance camps. Fun isn't frivolous. It's a vital source of energy and drive, even when pursuing the hardest goals imaginable. Measure joy alongside achievement. 📈😄
www.timjacksonphd.com/an-interview...
www.timjacksonphd.com/an-interview...
An interview with ultra-marathoner Ihor Verys: How to stay resilient when challenging yourself to the limit
Ihor Verys is an ultra-marathon trail runner who regularly wins races through the wilderness that last multiple days and nights. In so doing, he runs hundreds of kilometres at a time, barely eating…
www.timjacksonphd.com
October 12, 2025 at 2:12 PM
The "stoke factor" - how much FUN athletes have at high-performance camps. Fun isn't frivolous. It's a vital source of energy and drive, even when pursuing the hardest goals imaginable. Measure joy alongside achievement. 📈😄
www.timjacksonphd.com/an-interview...
www.timjacksonphd.com/an-interview...
The measuring paradox: We love "hard" numbers because they feel objective. But they're often highly aggregated, slow to compile, and miss the human context. Meanwhile, "soft" gossip can be surprisingly accurate.
www.timjacksonphd.com/dynamic-bala...
www.timjacksonphd.com/dynamic-bala...
Dynamic balance: The conundrums of management, according to Henry Mintzberg
In my last article, I wrote about a book called ‘Simply Managing’ by the McGill University professor, Henry Mintzberg. In that article I shared some key reflection questions that Mintzberg suggested…
www.timjacksonphd.com
October 12, 2025 at 1:55 PM
The measuring paradox: We love "hard" numbers because they feel objective. But they're often highly aggregated, slow to compile, and miss the human context. Meanwhile, "soft" gossip can be surprisingly accurate.
www.timjacksonphd.com/dynamic-bala...
www.timjacksonphd.com/dynamic-bala...
Bottom-line mentality isn't inherently immoral—but it consistently provokes unethical behavior in others. That's the real problem.
www.timjacksonphd.com/bottom-line-...
www.timjacksonphd.com/bottom-line-...
Bottom-line mentality and its implications for leaders
Introduction In my last article I wrote about directionality in leadership – the notion that leaders benefit from creating some kind of goal, vision, or purpose that helps them animate and motivate…
www.timjacksonphd.com
October 11, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Bottom-line mentality isn't inherently immoral—but it consistently provokes unethical behavior in others. That's the real problem.
www.timjacksonphd.com/bottom-line-...
www.timjacksonphd.com/bottom-line-...
"Express yourself" - mindset of NZ All Blacks rugby players under pressure. Ultra-marathoner Ihor Verys applies this too: Turn tense situations into opportunities for self-expression. Pressure becomes play. Performance becomes art. 🎨
www.timjacksonphd.com/an-interview...
www.timjacksonphd.com/an-interview...
An interview with ultra-marathoner Ihor Verys: How to stay resilient when challenging yourself to the limit
Ihor Verys is an ultra-marathon trail runner who regularly wins races through the wilderness that last multiple days and nights. In so doing, he runs hundreds of kilometres at a time, barely eating…
www.timjacksonphd.com
October 11, 2025 at 1:17 PM
"Express yourself" - mindset of NZ All Blacks rugby players under pressure. Ultra-marathoner Ihor Verys applies this too: Turn tense situations into opportunities for self-expression. Pressure becomes play. Performance becomes art. 🎨
www.timjacksonphd.com/an-interview...
www.timjacksonphd.com/an-interview...
Why do we assume managers need to make so many quick decisions? Mintzberg asks: Can we break decisions into steps? Can we take actions without formal decisions? Speed isn't always the answer.
www.timjacksonphd.com/dynamic-bala...
www.timjacksonphd.com/dynamic-bala...
Dynamic balance: The conundrums of management, according to Henry Mintzberg
In my last article, I wrote about a book called ‘Simply Managing’ by the McGill University professor, Henry Mintzberg. In that article I shared some key reflection questions that Mintzberg suggested…
www.timjacksonphd.com
October 11, 2025 at 12:15 AM
Why do we assume managers need to make so many quick decisions? Mintzberg asks: Can we break decisions into steps? Can we take actions without formal decisions? Speed isn't always the answer.
www.timjacksonphd.com/dynamic-bala...
www.timjacksonphd.com/dynamic-bala...
New research reveals: Leaders with bottom-line mentality create workplaces with lower psychological safety, increased territoriality, and higher emotional exhaustion. Your team feels it, even if you don't see it.
www.timjacksonphd.com/bottom-line-...
www.timjacksonphd.com/bottom-line-...
Bottom-line mentality and its implications for leaders
Introduction In my last article I wrote about directionality in leadership – the notion that leaders benefit from creating some kind of goal, vision, or purpose that helps them animate and motivate…
www.timjacksonphd.com
October 10, 2025 at 11:18 PM
New research reveals: Leaders with bottom-line mentality create workplaces with lower psychological safety, increased territoriality, and higher emotional exhaustion. Your team feels it, even if you don't see it.
www.timjacksonphd.com/bottom-line-...
www.timjacksonphd.com/bottom-line-...
Think your "profit-first" leadership style is just smart business? Research shows bottom-line mentality leads to knowledge hiding, social undermining, and employee dehumanization. The costs are real, even if they don't show up on the P&L.
www.timjacksonphd.com/bottom-line-...
www.timjacksonphd.com/bottom-line-...
Bottom-line mentality and its implications for leaders
Introduction In my last article I wrote about directionality in leadership – the notion that leaders benefit from creating some kind of goal, vision, or purpose that helps them animate and motivate…
www.timjacksonphd.com
October 9, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Think your "profit-first" leadership style is just smart business? Research shows bottom-line mentality leads to knowledge hiding, social undermining, and employee dehumanization. The costs are real, even if they don't show up on the P&L.
www.timjacksonphd.com/bottom-line-...
www.timjacksonphd.com/bottom-line-...