January 18, 2026

Stretching Assignments

Dear Uncommon Leaders, 

How was your weekend? Hope it was a great one and you're ready to take on a new week.

Stretch yourselves this week. Be uncommon!

This Week's Question:

When was your last “stretch” assignment?

This Week's Challenge: 

If we want more impact, more influence, and better results, our capacity has to expand. And one of the best ways to grow capacity is by taking on a "stretch" assignment.

A "stretch" assignment is work that doesn’t come easily. It forces us to figure things out, learn new skills, ask questions, and sometimes ask for help. It’s uncomfortable by design.

Most people avoid stretch assignments whenever possible. They prefer work they already know how to do and can accomplish comfortably. But we’re not chasing comfortable—we’re pursuing Uncommon.

Growth rarely happens in safe territory.

Your challenge this week:

Seek out a stretch assignment.

  • Ask your leader for one.
  • Or, if you’re the leader, create one for yourself.

Stop playing it safe. Because when we stretch, we grow—and if we don’t grow, we eventually get left behind.

Stretch this week. Let’s go be Uncommon.

This Week's Quote to Ponder:

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. - Neale Donald Walsch

Until next week,

LET'S GO BE UNCOMMON!

W. Kevin Harrison

Founder and Executive Coach

Uncommon Influence

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