In this enlightening discussion, Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and bestselling author, explores how character development is key to unlocking our hidden potential. He emphasizes the importance of seeking advice over mere feedback and highlights the transformative role of mentors and coaches in our journeys. Grant also tackles the balance between striving for excellence and the pitfalls of perfectionism. Listeners are inspired to embrace their growth mindset while overcoming self-doubt and recognizing their true capabilities.
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From Frankenstein to All-American
Adam Grant was initially the worst diver on his high school team, nicknamed "Frankenstein".
His coach's belief in his potential motivated him to become a state finalist and All-American.
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Character's Role in Potential
Character is how you behave on your hardest days, prioritizing values over instincts.
Developing character is crucial for unlocking hidden potential.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking
Adam Grant, a shy introvert, overcame his fear of public speaking by prioritizing his values over his personality.
Despite harsh feedback, he persevered and learned from his critics, even Air Force generals.
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In 'Hidden Potential,' Adam Grant dismantles the myth that success is primarily due to innate talent. He argues that potential is not fixed but can be cultivated over time through effort, persistence, and continuous learning. The book emphasizes the development of 'character skills' such as proactivity, determination, and the ability to embrace discomfort and learn from failure. Grant uses compelling stories of late bloomers and underdogs who achieved greatness through sheer determination, highlighting the importance of support systems, motivation, and the willingness to push beyond comfort zones. The book offers a new framework for raising aspirations and exceeding expectations, applicable in various domains from education to the workplace and beyond[2][4][5].
Think Again
Adam Grant
In 'Think Again', Adam Grant argues that the ability to rethink at personal, interpersonal, and collective levels is crucial in today's polarized world. He uses scientific research, personal anecdotes, and engaging stories to illustrate how people can find joy in being wrong, leverage the benefits of impostor syndrome, and cultivate environments of lifelong learning. Grant emphasizes the need to challenge our convictions, adopt a scientific mindset, and foster curiosity and humility. He provides examples of individuals who have successfully rethought their approaches, from firefighters to business leaders, and offers practical exercises for improving rethinking skills[2][4][5].
Achieving greater things is not about the genius we possess—it’s about the character we develop. In this episode, New York Times bestseller, 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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