Stretch Goals

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Description of Stretch Goals. Explanation.

Definition Stretch Goals. Description.

Stretch Goals is a term coined by Jack Welch at GE to denote those objectives which are seemingly unobtainable with present resources. By specifying the "unattainable", people are required to "think outside the box", and able to improve performance by a magnitude they had never thought possible.

If done right, a stretch target, which basically is an extremely ambitious goal, gets people to perform in ways they never imagined possible. But if the organization does not provide their people with the knowledge, tools, and means to meet such ambitious goals, the effects of setting Stretch Goals can be outright disastrous.

Some generic advice on working with Stretch Goals is:

• By definition, Stretch Goals are very difficult to meet. So don't punish people for not achieving them.
• Don't set goals that stretch your employees crazily.
• Understand that stretch targets can unexpectedly affect other parts of the organization.
• Don't give tough Stretch Goals to people already pushing themselves to the limit.
• Share the wealth generated by reaching Stretch Goals.

Stretch Goals Special Interest Group Special Interest Group (21 members)

Stretch Goals Forum   Recent topics   Don't Overstretch your Strategy Often stretch goals are abused to push people for unrealistic goals. In that case employees see stretch goals as a threat, not a challenge they feel c...           Quotes on Goals and Setting Goals Let’s collect the best, famous or funny quotes on goal setting… Please share them as a reaction to this posting and mention the author. To get started...           Disadvantages of Setting Stretch Goals In an article by Ordóñez et al. the main disadvantages of Stretch Goals (SG) are described: 1. Increased dissatisfaction: Stretch goals ar...

Best Practices - Stretch Goals   Examples of Stretch Goals What are some examples of stretched goals?...

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Compare with: CSFs and KPIs  |  Management by Objectives  |  Result Oriented Management  |  Balanced Scorecard  |  Strategy Maps  |  Catalytic Mechanisms  |  Path-Goal Theory  |  Expectancy Theory  |  Illusion of Control Bias  |  Incentives  |  Peter Principle  |  Span of Control  |  Time Management

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