Hidden Potential

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.

I just started this book. Saw the author on the Today show and sounded very interesting and thus far I am finding it not only interesting but enlightening.

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 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.)

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.

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.

Highly recommend Hidden Potential! This book is our June business book club read and is packed with great gems of advice and inspiration! The stories are engaging and action driven! Quick read. Highly recommend.

Hidden Potential reframes success in a way that feels both grounded and motivating. Rather than focusing on talent or innate ability, Adam Grant emphasizes growth, character skills, and the environments that help people develop over time. The research is presented clearly, with real-world examples that make the ideas easy to apply. What stood out to me was the focus on progress over perfection and the reminder that excellence is often built through support, opportunity, and sustained effort—not raw genius. The book strikes a good balance between science and storytelling, making it engaging without feeling academic. Overall, this is a practical and encouraging read for anyone interested in personal development, leadership, or understanding how people grow into their capabilities.