In plain English
This is an intentionally hard target, not a routine one. It is set higher than what is normally expected, so meeting it calls for unusually strong effort or results.
In context
Here, it names a goal being requested for the next review cycle that is set above the usual expected level and would require exceptional effort or performance to achieve.
- Situation
- Setting goals, receiving feedback, completing reviews, and discussing performance
- What it communicates
- names a more ambitious goal being requested for the next review cycle.
Meaning limits
The term by itself does not say whether the target is achievable or whether it will actually be met.
Examples
“Doubling output by summer was a stretch goal for a team that normally planned for small gains.”
“For the next review cycle, her manager asked her to include one stretch goal alongside her regular targets.”