Welcome to Mission 501: The Podcast — where psychology meets work, with a nonprofit twist! In this short intro episode, Ryan shares what the show is all about, what inspired it, and what you can expect in full episodes. If you're passionate about nonprofit organizations, leadership, teamwork, professional development, organizational psychology, or just looking to hear more about workplace dynamics, you're in the right place!

🔗 Learn more about Ryan and his work: https://mission501.co

💼 Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/aldrichct

🎧 Make sure you hit follow and join the mission!

In this episode, Ryan dives into Locke and Latham’s Goal Setting Theory—what makes goals work, and why “just do it” just doesn’t cut it. Whether you're managing teams or setting personal benchmarks, this theory has something to teach about motivation, clarity, and commitment. Listen in for goal-setting insights you can use in any mission-driven setting.

Developed by Edwin Locke & Gary Latham
📖 Learn more:

APA Article (1990): "Work Motivation and Satisfaction: Light at the End of the Tunnel"

👉 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.1990.tb00207.x

APA Article (2002): “Building a Practically Useful Theory of Goal Setting and Task Motivation”

👉 https://doi.apa.org/doi/10.1037/0003-066X.57.9.705

Leadership IQ summary and insights:

👉 https://www.leadershipiq.com/blogs/leadershipiq/goal-setting-theory-locke-latham