What is one potential downside of using public commitments in goal setting?

In the context of goal setting, the use of public commitments can indeed foster accountability and collaboration among team members. However, one notable downside is the possibility of a lack of individual commitment. When goals are set and announced publicly, individuals may feel a sense of obligation to conform to the group's expectations rather than fully embracing the goal personally. This can lead to situations where the motivation to achieve the goal is more about fulfilling social expectations than a genuine personal commitment to the objective.

In this scenario, while some may thrive under public scrutiny, others could feel pressured, potentially resulting in disengagement or superficial involvement. If team members do not personally connect with the goals, even with the added public accountability, they are less likely to invest the necessary effort to achieve them, thus undermining the effectiveness of the goal-setting process. This aspect highlights the intricate balance needed between promoting accountability through public commitments and fostering individual buy-in and intrinsic motivation.