Book Review: Hidden Potential by Adam Grant

Hidden Potential Adam Grant Book Review Image

I recently finished reading Hidden Potential by Adam Grant and felt compelled to share my thoughts and key takeaways. 

 

This book is not only an insightful read but also one that has had a profound impact on how I view coaching and capability development in my work.

 

I initially picked up the book because I prefer the experience of reading a physical book. However, recently I was traveling regionally to visit clients and turned to the audiobook version. This shift renewed my appreciation for audiobooks and enriched my experience of the content. It was so impactful that I returned to the traditional book format afterward to reengage with the material—yes, it’s that good!

 

As a leadership and culture development specialist, my goal is to guide individuals and teams in realising their potential. Hidden Potential has given me new perspectives and tools to explore, including fresh coaching strategies and group activities that I’m eager to bring to life in my practice.

 

It’s a book that challenges you to think differently and step outside the ‘normal’ way of developing potential.

 

Key Takeaways

 

    1. The Concept of Brainwriting
      Unlike traditional brainstorming, which often favours outspoken individuals, brainwriting starts with independent idea generation. Each person contributes their thoughts individually before these ideas are collectively evaluated. This approach fosters more inclusive ideation, supports innovation, and ensures that reflective and considered thinkers have an equal opportunity to contribute. I employed this recently, with great outcomes for my client.

 

    1. The Power of Character
      Your character, especially on a bad day, speaks volumes about your leadership. This reinforced for me the importance of integrity and resilience in both personal and professional settings. Personality is your natural traits and tendencies, whereas character is what you do with those traits, and how you demonstrate your integrity and resilience in leadership.

 

    1. Progress Is Not Linear
      Progress often requires stepping back before moving forward. Revisiting and reframing situations can unlock new pathways, emphasizing the importance of focusing on trajectory over immediate results. The book talks about how a person’s performance will naturally drop off before another period of development and high performance. Take it one step further, and consider the long-term trajectory in performance reviews rather than recent/average performance. Trajectory is key.

 

  1. The Role of Passion & Play
    Create temporary scaffolding around developing potential. Passion and play are forms of scaffolding. Passion creates space for rising potential. It opens the door to have fun, play a little, and transforms one’s thoughts from “I have to” to “I want to” or “I’m excited.” It is a critical factor in achieving growth and inspiring others.


I highly recommend Hidden Potential to anyone looking to understand and unlock the untapped capabilities within themselves and others.


What are your thoughts on these concepts? Let’s discuss!

Sherren Edkins, Melius Solutions.

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