Adam Grant on Unlocking Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things
1Digest
This podcast features organizational psychologist and bestselling author Adam Grant, discussing his book "Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things." Grant shares his personal journey from a struggling diver to an accomplished athlete, highlighting the importance of not judging potential based on initial abilities. He emphasizes the role of character development in unlocking hidden potential, defining character as the ability to prioritize values over instincts. Grant argues that embracing inadequacy is crucial for leadership, as it encourages individuals to become learners and seek advice from those who are ahead. He explores the concept of skillpower, using the marshmallow test to illustrate how basic skills can help individuals overcome discomfort and delay gratification. Grant also discusses the power of advice over feedback, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from trusted individuals who can provide forward-looking insights. He suggests that self-criticism can be a valuable tool for receiving constructive advice, creating a culture of psychological safety. Grant warns against the dangers of perfectionism, advocating for striving for excellence rather than perfection to allow for growth and learning from mistakes. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of recognizing potential through the belief of others, suggesting that when multiple credible supporters believe in an individual, it's time to start believing in them as well.
Outlines
Introduction to Adam Grant and Hidden Potential
The podcast introduces Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and bestselling author, as the guest. The episode focuses on his latest book, "Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things."
Unlocking Hidden Potential: From Struggling Diver to Accomplished Athlete
Adam Grant shares his personal experiences with hidden potential, highlighting his journey from a struggling diver to an accomplished athlete. He emphasizes the importance of not judging potential based on initial abilities.
Character Development and Hidden Potential: Prioritizing Values Over Instincts
The episode delves into the role of character development in unlocking hidden potential. Adam Grant defines character as the ability to prioritize values over instincts and emphasizes its importance in facing challenges and overcoming discomfort.
Embracing Inadequacy and Becoming a Learner: The Power of Owning Limitations
The discussion highlights the importance of embracing inadequacy as a leader. Adam Grant emphasizes that true leadership involves owning one's limitations and becoming a learner, rather than pretending to have all the answers.
The Power of Discomfort: From Finance Graduate to Stand-Up Comedian
Adam Grant shares his son's journey from a finance graduate to a stand-up comedian, highlighting how embracing discomfort can unlock hidden potential. He emphasizes the importance of being coachable and teachable in pursuing new endeavors.
Keywords
Hidden Potential
The capacity for growth and development that is not yet visible or fully realized. It refers to the untapped abilities, talents, and strengths that individuals possess but may not be aware of or have yet to fully explore.
Character Development
The process of cultivating and strengthening one's moral and ethical values, principles, and behaviors. It involves making conscious choices to prioritize values over instincts, even in challenging situations.
Skillpower
The ability to acquire and apply skills to overcome challenges and achieve goals. It involves developing strategies, techniques, and practices that enhance performance and make uncomfortable tasks less daunting.
Imposter Syndrome
A psychological phenomenon characterized by feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, despite evidence of success. Individuals with imposter syndrome often attribute their achievements to luck or external factors rather than their own abilities.
Growth Mindset
A belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. Individuals with a growth mindset embrace challenges, view setbacks as opportunities for learning, and are motivated to improve their skills.
Perfectionism
A tendency to strive for flawlessness and set unrealistically high standards for oneself. Perfectionism can lead to procrastination, anxiety, and a fear of failure, hindering personal growth and achievement.
Tacit Knowledge
Knowledge that is difficult to articulate or transfer to others. It is often acquired through experience and practice, and may be unconscious or implicit. Tacit knowledge is often essential for expertise in a particular field.
Psychological Safety
A workplace environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing their ideas, taking risks, and admitting mistakes without fear of negative consequences. Psychological safety is essential for innovation, creativity, and team performance.
Q&A
How does character development play a role in unlocking hidden potential?
Character development involves prioritizing values over instincts, even in challenging situations. This allows individuals to face discomfort, embrace inadequacy, and become learners, ultimately leading to greater growth and achievement.
What is the difference between feedback and advice, and why is advice more beneficial for growth?
Feedback focuses on past mistakes, while advice is forward-looking and provides actionable steps for improvement. Seeking advice from those who are one or two steps ahead can help individuals overcome specific challenges and achieve their goals.
How can perfectionism hinder the unlocking of hidden potential?
Perfectionism leads to a fear of failure, preventing individuals from taking risks and exploring new opportunities. It also creates a smaller comfort zone, limiting growth and development.
Why is it important to believe in others' belief in us, even when we doubt ourselves?
When multiple credible supporters believe in our potential, it's a sign that we may be underestimating ourselves. By trusting their judgment and discounting our own self-doubt, we can unlock our hidden potential and achieve greater things.
Show Notes
Achieving greater things is not about the genius we possess—it’s about the character we develop. In this episode, Adam Grant and I discuss how developing character skills, seeking advice, and aiming for excellence over perfection can unlock our hidden potential and achieve greater things.
Here's what we cover in this episode:
(0:00 ) - Intro
(5:35 ) - The Role Character Development Plays in the Process of Unlocking Potential
(10:30 ) - Importance of Asking for Advice vs Feedback
(19:35 ) - The Role of Coaches and Mentors
(27:05 ) - Balancing Excellence and Perfection
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