Stretch

December 15, 2016
A social scientist examines inventive ways that individuals and organizations can build on their existing resources to achieve remarkable results. In this well-informed and frequently enlightening book, first-time author Sonenshein (Management/Rice Univ.) delves beneath a collective mindset he defines as "chasing," which is oriented "around acquiring resources, overlooking how to expand what's already in hand." He demonstrates how working with less, if we're creatively engaged or "stretching," can yield profound outcomes. Taking his cue from writers like Malcolm Gladwell--Blink and Outliers, in particular, come to mind--Sonenshein builds his reasoning around a broad series of case studies in which individuals, seemingly against all odds, have succeeded by wisely making use of their sometimes-unlikely assets. Filmmaker Robert Rodriguez produced his first film, El Mariachi, on a budget of roughly $7,000 by actively engaging himself in every aspect of the production. In the beer-brewing business, Dick Yuengling beat out his chief rival, Princeton-educated Peter Stroh, by frugally upgrading current equipment and factories rather than expanding and relying on fewer employees who were eager to implement their own ideas for making the business more productive. Sonenshein wants readers to embrace stretching as a means to gain fulfillment and freedom in all areas of life and work, not just when dictated by pressing circumstances. "The road to stretching," he writes, "starts with a simple but significant shift in mind-set--giving up the belief that having more resources = getting better results and replacing it with the conviction that a better use of resources = getting better results. This change in mind-set takes us away from a dehumanizing rat race for resources that is impossible to win and provides us with a way to make do with and magnify what we already have." Throughout, Sonenshein is an amiable guide to attaining the benefits of stretching. A convincing argument within a compelling narrative--recommended for business managers and resourceful individuals alike.

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February 15, 2017

In the wake of the recession and dot-com bust, minimalism seems to be making a comeback, as evident by the success of food trucks, independent films, and retailers such as IKEA. In an unstable economy, the trend is to move toward resourcefulness rather than excess. Describing what it means to "stretch," former Silicon Valley executive Sonenshein (Henry Gardiner Symonds Professor of Management, Rice Univ.) provides examples of individuals and businesses that tested their limits (both financial and ideological) by using what they have to achieve results. Whether it's repurposing a common item, or bringing an outsider into a decision, the advice offered here is filled with hundreds of inspiring anecdotes and statistics demonstrating how taking risks, or "stretching," brought unexpected yet desirable results. In contrast, Sonenshein describes the pitfalls of the alternative mind set, or "chasing," as always seeking more and being perpetually disappointed. He further explores the harm brought by planning and expectations that can limit our experiences and reactions, and how to overcome the craving for "more." VERDICT A smart yet accessible book that will appeal to readers interested in simplifying their careers and lives.--Jennifer Clifton, Indiana State Lib., Indianapolis

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2017
Stretching is the science of resourcefulness, according to Sonenshein. It's improvising with things on hand instead of searching for the perfect tool. It's being content with what we have rather than weighing our worth against others' accomplishments. And it's refusing to be limited by plans and resources. The author uses stories of successful (and not successful) ventures to illustrate the way that a stretching mind-set allows entrepreneurs, artists, and everyday people to stop chasing after more. Admitting that problems are more often solved by outsiders rather than experts, Sonenshein urges readers to move outside their comfort zone and broaden their knowledge rather than hyperfocusing. He offers specific exercises to strengthen a stretch, including shopping in your own closet, breaking down common things into their component parts to find new uses, and making midyear resolutions. Finally, the author warns of the dangers of overstretching, such as becoming a cheapskate rather than frugal or losing focus when relying completely on improvisation. The emphasis on self-reliance and commonsense is reassuring, and readers will find themselves looking at their surroundings and problems with fresh eyes.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)