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Stretch Assignments

The most challenging project pushes your limits and tests your skills. Seeking and committing to a "stretch assignment" is a risk – one that is not only well worth taking in terms of the personal opportunity to grow, but absolutely necessary if you are committed to breaking away from the pack. Here are several guidelines to support you in identifying and succeeding at the stretch assignment.

Where to find them

Stretch assignments are everywhere. Beyond letting your superiors know you are on the lookout for the opportunity to contribute beyond your current job description, keep your eyes open. What you are looking for: Start with your boss. What is she struggling with – can you build your skills and help her out at the same time? Is there a level of dysfunction or inefficiency within your organization that you can (tactfully) identify and suggest you'd like to work on rectifying?

Stretching in the right direction

While stretching allows you to try on different skills, opportunities and experiences, you want to be sure you're focusing your stretch. In most instances you are stretching in conjunction with your current job responsibilities. Succeeding at a stretch assignment takes time and energy – your most valuable commodities. Take the time to pre-plan your stretch.

Be a Leader

Don't be afraid to involve others in your stretch. One of the greatest misconceptions about the stretch assignment is that you have to do it alone in order to get the recognition you desire. Operate abundantly and rather than horde your opportunity, let others know what you are working on and invite them to join you. Sharing your stretch is going to help you in three specific ways:

You can get more accomplished with the help of others. Everyone has different skills and talents that can enhance your project and widen your own professional repertoire. You'll gain new ideas and approaches you may not have even considered on your own.
Not everyone is a natural leader and will necessarily be looking for the opportunity to excel as you are. Sharing your initiative will not only show your superiors you have the capacity to lead (which is an amazing professional attribute), but you will incur the respect and loyalty of your co-workers who won't forget your willingness to bring them in on the deal – think karma.

The goal of the stretch assignment is to build your skill base. You can do this more efficiently through the learning and experiences of others.

About Nicole Williams

Company: Wildly Sophisticated Media
Website: http://wildlysophisticated.com/

Nicole Williams is the founder of Wildly Sophisticated Media the first-to-market, contemporary lifestyle brand that embodies self-discovery and self-empowerment for career-minded and entrepreneurial women.

Nicole is the author of the national bestseller, Wildly Sophisticated: A Bold New Attitude for Career Success, and the recently released, Earn What You're Worth: A Wildly Sophisticated Approach to Investing in Your Career and Yourself. She is the co-creator, with producers Force Four Entertainment, of the television series Making It Big, broadcast on the Life and Oxygen Network.

Nicole's career advice has been seen in Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Self, Complete Woman, New York Post, The Washington Post and The Financial Times. She has also appeared on broadcast media outlets including CNN, Good Day New York, Fox News and a myriad of regional TV and radio stations.

With the mission of supporting women's careers, WSM has provided human resource consultation and event marketing programs across the country for companies including, Saks, Banana Republic, Ford Lincoln Mercury, HSBC, Electronic Arts (EA Sports), Telus Communications and Women's Entertainment.