Stretching Ideas And Resources, But Not People

Here's the challenge that I offered:
>> Create a 3-D "O" using only what you have nearby, and in just 10 minutes.

It turns out that 10 minutes was too generous, because before my timer had even run out, everyone was done.

Why in the world would I introduce such an activity?

To encourage the team members to STRETCH :)

Yesterday, I embarked on a new reading adventure with a non-profit here in Europe, where we are reading the book Stretch by Scott Sonenshein!

According to Sonenshein, the world is made up of stretchers and chasers.

STRETCHERS are people who do more with that they have instead of asking what's missing.

CHASERS are always looking to acquire more resources because they have fallen into the trap of believing that having more resources means getting better results.

Sonenshein's time in Silicon Valley gave him proof that it's not always the case.

In our session yesterday, there were a number of big ideas that came forth, but one that stood out to me was:

HOW CAN WE STRETCH RESOURCES AND IDEAS WITHOUT STRETCHING PEOPLE?

I believe that this is one that we will come back to again and again in our further sessions, as burnout doesn't seem to be going away, and if anything seems to be increasing.

But is burnout just about workload, or is there something deeper going on?

I believe there is.

What do you think? What is burnout really about?


P.S. Here's my "O" - no surprise what resources I used :)

Originally posted on LinkedIn with comments.

Read Deaper Not Faster