Stretch

Unlock the Power of Less-and Achieve More Than You Ever Imagined

By: Scott Sonenshein

Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain

A Rice University social scientist teaches you to rethink what you need to succeed, and do more with what you already have, in this counterintuitive, evidence-based guide to changing the way you work and live.

Stretch identifies key ways for people and organizations to work beyond their resources to achieve higher performance. Based on in-depth research in psychology and management, Scott Sonenshein shows how to accomplish goals, find professional and personal success, and live a richer life.

Two different mindsets drive achievement, creativity, and innovation: ""stretching"" and ""chasing.""Stretchers embrace what they have, finding unconventional ways to use resources already at hand. A competitor is someone who improves your own work; a floundering brand becomes a trendy; and forgotten workers become star employees. Chasers get trapped in convention. They mindlessly accept other people’s definitions of resources and often feel they are missing what they need to succeed. Sonenshein teaches a four-part framework that activates the stretching potential we all have but may not fully recognize:

• Diversify experiences.
• Act immediately without overplanning.
• Expect the positive.
• Build unique combinations.

Sonenshein reveals that while we rarely have all we think we need, we usually have more than we imagine. Whether leading organizations, launching careers, or raising families, Stretch teaches us how to achieve more by acting resourcefully at work and beyond.

Transformative book

Simple but insightful. I really like the flow of the book and how the concepts are presented. This is a must re-read candidate on my shelf

Excellent and informative book

This has to be one of the best audio books I have ever purchased. Easy to follow, informative and I took so much away with me, Great for anyone looking to utilize time and resources more effectively. Highly recommended!

Learn how to view your resources differently

To stop waiting to have the right "it" to complete any task and work with what you already have. Think of new uses for your current resources to find a solution.

very good message

it's very good message to use what you already have and stop mindlessly chasing resources.

5 Significant Shifts in Life

Stretch is written in simple language and opens up the mind to the realization for me that it's time to give up the Chase and Learn to Stretch
This will totally be implemented in my business

Stretch stretches your perspective and potential!

Too often we probably waste time and money chasing solutions. Applying the not-so-common common sense of Stretch can maximize our time and resources. Written in an easily digestible format with memorable illustrations backed by the credibility of research, Stretch is a guidebook and map for accomplishing more (or exactly what you need) for less.

Motivated

Loved it. Feel invigorated to become more of a stretcher in my personal and professional life.

Fresh information to get better in life

Refreshing book on how we can all stretch ourselves to enhance creativity and personal success, with a lot of supporting, documented research and people who have used to it achieve greatness. I have read so many books that are regurgitations of the same concepts but this one gave me actionable advice that I will apply in my work and personal life.

Great idea, boring presentation.

I did gain several nuggets of wisdom but felt as though I was listening to book which reviewed research projects rather than a business book.

Can’t recommend highly enough

This book is a game changer! I was raised by stretchers who were closer to cheapskates and this book has helped me learn how to take the skills I learned growing up and implement them productively. I look forward to challenging myself with future stretches and know it is going to have a huge impact both professionally and personally! Seriously, read this book.