Why Do We Stretch?

Recently I learned that a few quiet conversations were breaking out: "So who is going to tell Brian this is not possible?"

The Stretch
A year ago a small group of us took a stand for a breakthrough goal: develop and release an innovative, best-in-class e-learning course in half the time.  There was never - and still is not - anything easy about this stretch goal. 

Rather than update or recreate a product, we are committed to designing, developing and launching a new product from the ground up that will set a new standard for our e-learning portfolio. 

Defining Success
Stretch goals are interesting to me because I think it is all about the ability to think in terms of possibilities.

I do not consider the success of a stretch goal as a simple binary outcome related to launching a product on time or with the assigned features.  To me, the true success of a stretch goal is learning and developing new thinking, new skills and new approaches that can lead a group of people to consistently accomplish goals that were once considered unthinkable or impossible.

So while the visible aspects of a stretch goal are an important aspect of success, the nearly invisible deliverables of learning new thinking, skills and approaches that can be re-applied in the future is ultimately the enduring benefit of a truly successful stretch goal. 

Thinking About Possibilities
So why do we stretch?  We methodically do after-action-reviews on all of our projects and apply lessons learned so as to make new mistakes in the future.  And while that is an important process, it typically leads to incremental changes in thinking and process.

I believe the power of an "unthinkable" stretch goal is precisely due to our being stimulated to truly think about new and creative possibilities.  We are not tinkering around to perfect a tried-and-true process to deliver a slightly better, but expected, outcome.

An innovative solution or product by default requires considering alternative possibilities and embracing the discomfort that comes for unfamiliar opportunities.  And through this very process - even in the face of seemingly immovable challenges and very real headaches - we can create a new, unexpected outcome. 

Overcoming the Impossible
So in spite of what our inner voices may say on a tough day, take a moment to look around - do you see and hear teammates not only working hard, but working innovatively to puzzle out a new solution?  Do you hear yourself thinking “this actually could be possible” even when your conscious voice may be screaming it doesn’t know just yet if and how this will all come together?

It takes courage, conviction and considerable trust to truly embrace a journey into unknown territory.  

And when you do hear that subconscious possibility, are you willing to accept the challenge of standing for, and sharing, that possibility with those around you?