Stretch

"Rapid advances in technology, global economic change, and record unemployment have fueled a concern about falling behind and becoming obsolete in the workplace. According to global research by coauthors Willyerd (coauthor, The 2020 Workplace) and Mistick (president, Wilson Coll.), the concern is widespread. The megatrends shaping tomorrow's workplace will require new skill sets. This work outlines five key strategies to acquire the needed knowledge and connections; they can be summed up as: learn in any situation, maintain an open mindset, connect to people who can help your future, seek out experiences that will prepare you, and stay focused and motivated. Anecdotes, insights, and research-based conclusions highlight the practical relevance of each strategy and are entertainingly informative. The authors' research was sponsored by Oxford Economics and SAP (Systems Applications Products) and includes their megatrend analysis as well.
VERDICT: Thoroughly researched, approachable, with wide general appeal; the authors provide actionable guidance to help the reader grow for the workplace of tomorrow while engaging them in the occupation they have today. Extensive notes and an annotated further reading are included."
—Library Journal

"If you're waiting for your organization to train you to succeed in the unclear future of work, you're at risk of losing control of both your career and your current job. On average, according to the Center for Creative Leadership, only 10 percent of learning comes from formal training. Thus, even the most talented workers can have a 'sell-by date,' often one they don't see coming, say authors Karie Willyerd and Barbara Mistick in their book Stretch: How to Future-Proof Yourself for Tomorrow's Workplace.
Their research of 5,500 employees and executives in diverse industries confirms that the urgency for people to take charge of their own careers has never been greater. The question is how—and be specific, please.
Fortunately, the authors are. They start by sharing three Stretch Imperatives—it's all on you, you need options, you have dreams—which they break into five Stretch Practices: 'bouncing forward,' learning on the fly, building a diverse network, being 'greedy about experiences,' and being open to the 70 percent of on-the-job learning that happens informally. Thirty strategies to execute these practices help you 'stretch' steadily and measurably.
The strategies emerge from personal stories of research participants, along with supporting data from the authors' studies and other trends, such as the rise of 'unintentional de-skilling' and the growth of co-located workplaces.
Keep a pencil ready for the 30 Stretch Breaks of short self-assessments and reflection questions. Your answers build momentum for the Plan Your Future tool at the end. Not an optional assignment for any serious professional."
—AssociationsNow.com

"No matter what stage you are at in your career, this book will help you to develop and progress." (PQ Magazine, November 2016)

"This book is very well presented, with rich contents. Don't become obsolete – take the first step to stretching your skills to future proof yourself for tomorrow's workplace. Use the tools provided." (CMI, August 2016)

"Stretch provides ample diversity of information and ideas for HR Professionals, careers advisors and those working with young people, as well as the 'self-improvement' crowd to get their money's worth out of the book." (Career Matters, June 2016)