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Stretch Your Team—Always

HOW OFTEN have you said, “It’s just easier to do things myself?” In reality, most of us have spent the extra hours doing a task ourselves, believing it would get done more quickly and efficiently that way. However, if you look around, there are probably people willing to take on more work. These are team members who want to take their experiences and skills to the next level. Slowly opening the door for them to help you accomplish everything on your plate is a great way to develop those around you. If you do not have the time, explain projects in small steps or schedule a time to explain the project thoroughly.

In other words, develop those around you by offering “stretch assignments.” At any given time, all team members should be working on at least one project that is taking their skills to the next level—a project just outside their comfort zone. Take some time, develop a plan, and, little by little, your time will free up and those around you will develop. Remember, you need to be specific about the objectives and implement the simple Coach for Performance model we suggest in Tip #10.

You also need to make sure you are available for questions. This takes a little time in the beginning but, in the end, you will actually have more time. Stretch assignments are perhaps the most widely used development tool, according to some leadership experts. Researchers McCall, Lombardo, and Morrison studied executives to determine critical developmental experiences in their careers.¹⁵ The vast majority felt that experience was the greatest educator. Other studies have found similar results. Many executives attributed learning from assignments such as project task forces, line-to-staff switches, starting a venture from scratch, turn-it-around jobs, and a leap in scope.

For assignments to have “stretch,” two variables should be present. First, they should be challenging, not just work for work’s sake. Second, stretch assignments should provide team members with opportunities to try out new skills, behaviors, and thinking.

Several of our clients include this topic in their standing one-on-one’s (see Tip #13) with direct reports, specifically regarding the progress they are making toward accomplishing their stretch assignments. Once this approach is consistently applied, as these leaders have done, it quickly becomes part of your team’s culture.