Big Think Adam Grant's #1 phrase to unlock potential | Big Think+
14 snips
Aug 26, 2025 
Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist at Wharton and author of *Hidden Potential*, challenges the obsession with raw talent. He shares his own journey of surpassing feelings of inadequacy to unlock his potential. Grant dissects the ineffective 'compliment sandwich' feedback method and provides an impactful leadership phrase for inspiring others. He emphasizes that true growth comes from effort, real-time feedback, and the right support, urging leaders to cultivate an environment where everyone can thrive.
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Start Vs. Distance Trumps Raw Talent
- Focusing on where people start blinds us to how far they can develop over time.
- Grant argues potential is often underestimated and growth matters more than initial talent.
From Awkward Diver To Champion
- Adam Grant recounts starting as a terrible springboard diver who couldn't touch his toes and was mocked by coaches.
- With an extraordinary coach and effort he became a Junior Olympic qualifier and All-American diver.
Early Teaching Failures And Turnaround
- Adam Grant describes brutal early teaching feedback, including students saying he made them physically shake and compared him to a Muppet.
- He studied great teachers, made radical changes, and improved dramatically.
