Page 4 - The Leadership Line: August 2022

More About Stretch Assignments

What are stretch assignments?
A stretch assignment is a project or task that is currently beyond your level of
knowledge or skill. Such assignments serve to “stretch” you developmentally by
placing you in a challenging position to learn and grow.
Why should you assign an employee a stretch assignment?

» Generate an opportunity for the employee to learn and develop
» Employees will have a chance to show they have initiative and are ready to take on
more responsibility
» Initiate advancement at MIL rather than having them feel they need to switch jobs
Examples of stretch assignments:
» Managing an intern
» Implementing a new or significant assignment
» Participating in the strategic planning process

» Organizing and leading an event or meeting
Tips about stretch assignments:
» Make certain that the stretch aligns with the employee’s current job responsibilities
and/or future career goals
» Take time to plan the stretch as they can be time-intensive and energy consuming
» Team them up with a coworker or mentor so that the endeavor is less daunting,
and they have a POC for help
» Cross organizational boundaries. Stretch assignments are often most effective when
they include working with individuals from another area of the organization

Managing Career Plateaus

A plateaued performer is a team member who has reached a certain level in the company and appears to be
“stuck”—to have neither the ambition nor the ability to progress further within the organization based on available
opportunities. There may be nothing wrong with their present performance, but they have no new ideas or
initiatives.
Plateaus can allow for reflection and offer individuals time to regroup and plan the next phase of personal and
professional growth. Plateaus permit the employee the time to assimilate new knowledge and integrate that
knowledge into his or her functional repertoire. From a more pragmatic perspective, plateaus allow time to “de-
stress” and to take stock of and reinforce accomplishments. However, there is a serious danger of boredom or
staleness setting in.
Anyone can experience a career plateau at one point or another at any stage of their career, but it could be
particularly relevant for seasoned employees, which is why a career plateau is considered a central issue
in midcareer.