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Writer's pictureAaron Abreu

What is your Hidden Potential?

Individuals who go through hard times have a unique story to tell. Those hard times vary from person to person. Still, these experiences shape who they are and how they can face challenges in their personal and professional work lives. In 2012, I was applying for a unique program allowing medical technicians to be healthcare administrators. I knew I needed to have what it took based on the current requirements (i.e., a minimum of a Bachelor's degree). I still needed to get the required degree. However, it propelled me to finish my degree and do well in school. The following year came, and I was doing well academically and professionally; I thought I would be selected. Unfortunately, it was a no. I brushed it off and re-evaluated my strategies. I applied again. It is now 2014, and I know I have grown over the past two years since my first submission. But the answer was still no. Let me save you from the drawn-out numbers of no. It took the 7th time for me to get a yes from this application. I got six NOs before I finally got to a yes. What interested me was I saw my potential each year. I was getting a no but slowly losing sight of that myself.



Scrabble word for potential

When my favorite author, Adam Grant, came out with his new book about potential, I had to read (in my case, listen via Audible) it right away! I am sharing with you some of the thoughts and lessons I have gathered. Numerous profound things stood out to me and are relevant to us as leaders (and future leaders).  


Adam Grant's "Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things" delves into the multifaceted nature of human potential, challenging conventional metrics of success and encouraging a more holistic, growth-centric view. The book begins with a fundamental premise: potential is not about one's starting point or the heights one achieves; it's about the growth journey. This theme is recurrent throughout the book, emphasizing that titles and awards are less significant than personal and professional development.


The Role of Educators in Shaping Potential

Teachers and professors affect our potential. Yes, even kindergarten teachers whose names we barely remember. Grant highlights the profound impact of kindergarten teachers on students' future salaries, illustrating the long-term influence of early education. This section can explore how early educational experiences shape cognitive and social development, drawing on studies and expert opinions.


Critical Behaviors for Unlocking Potential

The book identifies behaviors such as being proactive, disciplined, and prosocial, along with the importance of initiative and collaboration. These behaviors are essential for personal and professional growth, fostering a mindset conducive to continual learning and improvement. I gravitated to Grant's statement of being prosocial. He stated that prosocial leaders do better at leading teams than competent leaders. Only some people will agree with this statement. For example, if you have a surgeon, you want the best of the best surgeons despite their prosocial skills. Where it does matter is when we ask that same surgeon to lead a team or an organization. 


Scaffolding in Learning

Scaffolding, a concept borrowed from education, refers to the structures teachers provide to support learning. This metaphor can be expanded to the workplace and personal growth, discussing how mentors, coaches, and peers can provide similar support structures. “A coach sees your potential and helps you become a better version of yourself,” said Adam Grant. 


The Concept of Growth and 'Getting Better at Getting Better'

Much of the book is dedicated to the idea that growth involves embracing discomfort. This section can explore the psychological aspects of stepping out of one's comfort zone, referencing studies and expert insights. I enjoy and despise the thought of discomfort. I want it because I will improve- for example, by working out. I wouldn't say I sometimes like it because I do not like not knowing. Most of us will do well with the uncomfortable; the self-limiting belief stops us from pushing through and continuing. 


Procrastination as an Emotional Regulation Issue

If you are like me, then yes, I tend to procrastinate. However, science shows procrastination does not equate to being lazy. Challenging the common perception of procrastination as a time management problem, Grant suggests it's more about emotional regulation. This perspective opens up a discussion on the psychological underpinnings of procrastination and strategies for overcoming it.


Task-Dependent Learning

I was shocked to hear that most research shows no one way of learning. Not enough data shows that preferred learning helps you retain more information. We learn and grasp new concepts through discomfort and trying out new ways to learn. Grant discusses how learning is task-dependent. He used the example of reading a science article and then being quizzed. Most students who read the science article and were later questioned did relatively well compared to those assigned to listen to the science article. Why is that? This is because science articles involve a lot of facts, and reading and writing would be more beneficial than listening to them. 


The Philosophy of 'Being a (Sea) Sponge' and Accepting Criticism

Have you ever taken criticism personally? Even though the person who gave you that feedback started it with, "Do not take this wrong way, but..." Being open to learning and criticism is central to Grant's philosophy. He explores the balance between taking criticism personally and using it as a catalyst for growth, drawing upon psychological theories and real-life examples. It is ok to take it personally! We are humans. But we need to learn from the feedback to grow and improve. You do not always have to take everyone's input into account.



A colored photo of sea sponges


Grant focuses on the 3Cs- Trustworthy Criteria: Care, Credibility, Familiarity.

Ask yourself these questions when someone is giving you feedback. Do they genuinely care about you? What gives them the right to provide you with feedback? Are they a subject matter expert? How familiar are they with your line of work? 


Embracing Imperfection

The concept of 'imperfectionism' challenges pursuing perfection, advocating for setting specific, clear, and achievable goals. This part can delve into the psychological impacts of perfectionism and the benefits of an 8/10 mentality over striving for a 10/10. We need to learn to be ok with just ok. There is genuinely no such thing as perfection. Grant used the scoring system for diving in the Olympics. There is no such thing as a perfect dive; all there is are scales of how excellent you did that dive. We can stunt our growth and improvement if we keep striving for perfectionism. 


The Role of Coaches, Tutors, and Mentors

Grant emphasizes the importance of having multiple mentors and guides and even creating one's guide. This can lead to exploring the 'coach effect' and 'tutor effect,' discussing how these roles impact learning and growth. The story of the Golden Thirteen was both fascinating and inspiring. Grant highlighted that each of the Golden Thirteen became a tutor for the group. Although they were not seasoned subject matter experts, teaching others allowed them and their peers to do well! 


The Underdog and Carry-the-Torch Effects

These concepts relate to motivation and resilience, with the underdog effect highlighting how doubters can fuel one's drive and the carry-the-torch effect underscoring the motivational power of one's ability and partnership. Studies have shown that comments coming from naysayers and a place of ignorance can fuel our desire to do better. 


Investing in Every Student and Leading by Example

Grant advocates for investing in the potential of all individuals, regardless of their apparent early ability. This egalitarian approach can be discussed in the context of leadership and team dynamics.


The Detrimental Impact of Narcissism in Teams

The book touches on the negative impact of having even one narcissist in a team, contrasting prosocial skills with mere competency. This part can explore the dynamics of team composition and the importance of emotional intelligence in collaborative environments.


Brainwriting vs. Brainstorming and Establishing a Climate of Safety

Have you ever been to a brainstorming meeting? If you are like me and left with a big question mark in your notes, do not fear. According to research, brainwriting can be more beneficial as it allows for generating more ideas. An example of brainwriting is allowing time for each individual to come up with their thoughts and present them anonymously to the group. Grant contrasts these two idea-generation methods, advocating for brainwriting to encourage more diverse and anonymous contributions. This can be linked to creating a safe, inclusive, idea-sharing environment.


Discovering 'Uncut Gems' and the Peter Principle

Past performance only indicates future potential if past skills are directly relevant to future roles. This can lead to a discussion on talent management and the Peter Principle, which suggests that people rise to their level of incompetence in a hierarchy. A great example in the book was specific hiring and admission practices. Another point Grant made is that basing everything on past performance should only sometimes indicate future success. Giving individuals the opportunity to solve real problems versus presenting them with unrelated hypothetical ones is more beneficial. 


Adam Grant's "Hidden Potential" is essential to reiterate the overarching message: potential is a complex, multi-dimensional concept transcending conventional success metrics. It's about growth, learning, and continually striving to better oneself personally. Understanding the concept of potential challenges us to reconsider how we measure success and foster growth, both in ourselves and others.


A Challenge to Leaders

The insights from "Hidden Potential" are particularly pertinent for leaders in all spheres - business, education, and community. Leaders have a unique opportunity and responsibility to uncover and nurture the hidden potential in their teams and organizations. This is about more than just identifying the high performers or those who already show promise. It's about investing in every individual, recognizing that everyone has unique strengths and capabilities to contribute to the collective success.


Action Steps for Leaders:

  1. Foster a Growth Mindset: Encourage a culture where growth and learning are valued over titles and traditional success metrics. This mindset will help individuals embrace challenges and view failures as opportunities to improve.

  2. Provide Scaffolding and Support: Just as educators provide structures to facilitate learning, leaders should offer guidance, mentorship, and resources to help their team members grow and develop new skills.

  3. Embrace Diversity of Thought: Utilize approaches like brainwriting to ensure all voices are heard. A climate of safety where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas can lead to innovative solutions and breakthroughs.

  4. Recognize and Combat the Underdog Effect: Be aware of the motivational power of being doubted or underestimated. Channel this effect to empower your team and drive them towards achieving their full potential.

  5. Lead by Example: Demonstrate the behaviors you wish to see in your team. Invest time in your personal and professional development to set a precedent for continuous learning and improvement.

  6. Challenge Perfectionism: Encourage your team to set realistic and clear goals, focusing on progress and improvement rather than unattainable perfection.

  7. Identify and Develop Hidden Talents: Look beyond the traditional indicators of potential and success. Recognize that every individual has unique abilities that, when properly nurtured, can significantly contribute to the organization's goals.


Invitation to Readers

Consider the ways you can implement these strategies in your teams and organizations. Challenge yourself to look beyond the surface, to find and foster the potential in everyone around you. By doing so, you contribute to their personal growth and create a more dynamic, innovative, and successful organization.


Leaders, it's time to embark on this transformative journey. Let's unlock the hidden potentials within our teams and ourselves and pave the way for a future where growth and development are at the heart of success. "What looks like differences in natural ability are often differences in opportunity and motivation."- Adam Grant 







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