Beyond the Job - Stretch Assignments

It happens all the time. 

A new project or initiative that may not have capital – monetary or human – allocated, but management seeks someone to take it on.  A stretch assignment. 

The advantage?  Success can position you competitively in the company.  The disadvantage?  Increased workload.

Stretch assignments can take the form of a new initiative in your own division.  Or perhaps, your organization has a program allowing temporary cross-function placements.  The challenge in selecting the stretch assignment is finding a balance between skill enhancement, exposure, visibility and positioning.

Ask yourself, will the stretch assignment:

• Allow me to leverage my skills and experiences?  How?

• Present an opportunity to strengthen a weaker skill set? (These assignments aren’t a good match if the “stretch” doesn’t exist.)  How is this a competitive enhancer?

• Provide opportunities for exposure to other corporate functions?

• Provide visibility of my talent and with leaders and/or managers?  How, where and when?

• Strengthen my professional competitiveness?  In what ways?

• Make a clear, well-articulated impact for the organization?  Am I able to restate it in my own voice?

• Broaden my corporate network?

The answers to these questions can help you assess the value of pursuing the stretch assignment against the anticipated trade-offs.  And, enable you to move forward strategically, with realistic expectations.

What are some stretch assignments you’ve taken on?  How did they help you advance your career or prepare you for leadership opportunities?