This thought-provoking article from http://www.leadershipiq.com/ makes a strong case for setting some hard goals which break the rules of SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-related) goals. Far from feeling overworked and stressed, your employees will feel better about themselves and about you as their leader. They will feel that they are trusted and that you care because you entrusted them with tough challenges. If the correct balance is achieved between stretch goals and regular goals and sufficient support is provided, your employees and organisation can both achieve greater success.