Stretch

About the Author

Karie Willyerd is the Workplace Futurist for SuccessFactors, an SAP company, and a prolific contributor to Harvard Business Review. She is also the co-author of The 2020 Workplace, showcasing her extensive expertise in personal development and workplace trends.

Barbara Mistick is the President of Wilson College, a notable figure in public-service advocacy, and a recipient of numerous awards from prestigious organizations like the U.S. Small Business Administration and Ernst and Young. Her efforts have significantly contributed to the advancement of entrepreneurs.

Main Idea

Stretch: How to Future-Proof Yourself for Tomorrow's Workplace by Karie Willyerd and Barbara Mistick is a comprehensive guide designed to equip individuals with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in an ever-evolving work environment. The book emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and networking to ensure one's relevance in the future workplace.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• The Stretch Imperative
• Megatrends That Will Affect Your Future
• Part I: It's All On You
  • Learn On The Fly
  • Be Open
• Part II: You Need Options
  • Build a Diverse Network
  • Be Greedy About Experiences
• Part III: You Have Dreams
  • Bounce Forward
• Charting the Path Forward
• Top 10 Capabilities for the Future

The Stretch Imperative

The authors introduce the concept of the Stretch Imperative, emphasizing that the future workplace will demand more from each of us. To avoid obsolescence, individuals must continuously stretch their capabilities. This involves three core themes:

"It's all on you, you need options, and you have dreams." — Karie Willyerd and Barbara Mistick

The first theme, "It's all on you," highlights the individual's responsibility for their engagement and development. It underscores the importance of personal accountability in career growth. The second theme, "You need options," stresses the necessity of having multiple career pathways to maximize personal development and adaptability. Finally, the third theme, "You have dreams," acknowledges the aspirations that drive individuals to seek more significant roles or entrepreneurial endeavors.

Megatrends That Will Affect Your Future

The book identifies seven megatrends that will shape the future of work, highlighting the need for adaptability and proactive skill development: