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Stretch-Safety Spectrum : “Balancing Ambition With Achievability”
Origin
The Stretch-Safety Spectrum emerges from motivational psychology and modern performance management practices. Traditional goal setting often swings between being too ambitious (causing burnout) or too easy (leading to complacency). The spectrum approach provides a dual-anchored model, where each performance plan balances safe goals (minimum assured outcomes) with stretch goals (aspirational targets).
Associated Theories
* Goal-Setting Theory (Locke & Latham): Clear, challenging goals drive higher performance than vague or easy ones.
* Yerkes-Dodson Law: Performance peaks when challenge is optimal, but too much stress lowers outcomes.
* Motivation-Hygiene Theory (Herzberg): Balance between factors that prevent dissatisfaction (safety goals) and those that inspire growth (stretch goals).
How HR Can Use This
* Performance Planning: Encourage employees to set dual goals — baseline safe outcomes and ambitious stretch objectives.
* Performance Reviews: Evaluate not only results achieved but also progress toward stretch efforts.
* Employee Engagement: Reduce anxiety by recognizing safe performance, while motivating ambition through stretch recognition.
* Learning & Development: Track areas where employees consistently achieve safe goals and design training to push them into stretch zones.
* Succession Planning: Identify employees who consistently thrive in stretch zones as future leaders.
