Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things

This is one of my favorite books and I love Adam Grant. I sent each of my team members this book as a Christmas present and they found it thoughtful that their boss would think of sending a book like this. I even bought it in Spanish for my team members in Mexico.

Hidden Potential should be required reading for anyone who (1) Interfaces with the public, (2) Makes decisions within an organization, institution, or business, or (3) Has a desire to understand or utilize human potential. If you've read any of Mr. Grant's work, then Hidden Potential will feel familiar. Using stories to highlight his ideas helps the reader understand both concept and the execution/result. With useful and relevant footnotes providing helpful context, Grant suggests valuing "potential over prodigy," with three main components; Character Skills, Scaffolding, and Systems. Again using stories to highlight the outcome of the research supporting his hypothesis, Grant keeps the reader engaged and provides excellent context for each component. Hidden Potential is a must read for leaders in the seemingly endless pursuit of talent. The American workforce is a totally new landscape, comprised of 3+ generations of workers and learners. As Grant notes, “Growth is less about how hard you work than how well you learn.” (p. 44) In an uncertain economy, retaining talent and nurturing the potential in the next generation of leaders has never been more relevant.

I love a book from a social scientist - I want to be that sponge he describes and learn more about being the best version of me I can be, and have the greatest positive impact on the world around me. He teaches the reader valuable insights, and expertly weaves story with the content of his lessons. However, Grant’s writing at times felt a little too formulaic, and some of his arguments were very surface level/not fleshed out well enough to resonate or absorb. I used WhisperSync to listen and read this book. The narration is easy to listen to, and enriched by incorporating music and audio recordings of his interviews to let people speak their own words. Almost like a very, very long NPR segment - in a good way!

This is a must read, especially for any teachers or coaches. Adam Grant walks through inspirational stories of how ordinary people became extraordinary through their own character and grit. I listened on Spotify premium then bought the physical book (which has some great images in there!!) as a gift for my kids’ teachers.

Hidden Potential by Adam Grant is one of those books that emphasizes the importance of effort. It's not one of those books that claims everyone excels nor is it based on research asserting that there are only naturally gifted superstars. It doesn’t dismiss the existence of naturally talented individuals. Instead, it highlights how certain individuals, groups, or communities are committed to putting in the work. These individuals consistently strive to improve themselves every day, which enables them to reach the top. Their success is rooted in hard work, dedication, and a focused determination to overcome their circumstances. This book centers around that hidden potential—the proactive steps these individuals take to rise above their situations and environments. Their journeys often go unnoticed until they reveal remarkable stories of underdogs who lack privilege, fame, or fortune. What they possess is a strong work ethic and the discipline to persevere. I loved this book.

This book is going on my favorites list. It was a work assignment for our team and remains an all-time favorite for most of the team. I gave it to my high school son after we finished, and he enjoyed it as well. This book is so easy to read. You will not want to put it down. It is full of very interesting stories and facts. Not your typical self-help book (I am not a fan of those.)

This author is a man of great kindness and compassion whose books I have found to be quite inspirational and insightful when it comes to human behavior. I feel his humanitarian views are well expressed and a welcome approach to surviving adversities.

Adam Grant is a dominant voice in the world of psychology so expectations are always very high. This book almost does justice to those expectations but IMHO, this is not a seminal piece of work (yet). It is somewhat of a mix between Angela Duckworth's Grit and Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers. Unlike Grit it doesn't have many prescriptive solutions and unlike Outliers, it has fewer stories that are interesting. Some of this 2*2 grids are not very intuitive either. However, this books should be read for two things: - Some norms that are challenged e.g., he challenges the full efficacy of 10,000 rule to master something, rather advocating for "harmonious passion" as a complementary technique. - His catchy writing (almost too catchy). The content is replete with his trademark three-sentence articulation. Sample this: "A critic sees your weaknesses and attacks your worst self. A cheerleader sets your strengths and celebrates your best self. A coach sees your potential and helps you become a better version of yourself." Net: It is a good book and as long as you temper your expectations a little bit, you should be good. And I do think that a seminal piece of work from Grant is around the corner. Enjoy.