Join Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and author of "Hidden Potential", as he shares his insights on cultivating success through character development. He discusses how resilience and humility, rather than innate talent, foster entrepreneurial success. Learn about the power of social connections and teaching in personal growth, plus strategies for overcoming self-doubt and embracing collaboration. Grant also critiques outdated workplace systems, advocating for a reimagined approach that nurtures collective creativity and support.
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insights INSIGHT
Early Character Skills
Success in your 20s can be predicted by your kindergarten teacher's experience.
This is linked to character skills learned early on, not just cognitive skills.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Reframing "No"
View "no" as a starting point, not an end.
Develop the ability to see rejection as a beginning, like Wayne Gretzky saw the puck.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Improving Social Skills
Set specific, small goals for social skill development instead of just attending events.
Focus on transitioning from small talk to deeper conversations by asking engaging questions.
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In *Ego Is the Enemy*, Ryan Holiday delves into the concept of ego and its detrimental effects on personal and professional success. The book is divided into three sections: Aspiration, Success, and Failure, each offering valuable lessons and perspectives. Holiday draws on a vast array of stories and examples from literature, philosophy, and history, featuring figures such as George Marshall, Jackie Robinson, Katharine Graham, Bill Belichick, and Eleanor Roosevelt. These individuals achieved great success by conquering their own egos, and their strategies and tactics are presented as models for readers. The book emphasizes the importance of staying grounded, continually learning, and embracing a mindset of growth rather than letting ego hinder development.
Hidden Potential
The Science of Achieving Greater Things
Adam Grant
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].
“Growth is not about the genius you possess—it’s about the character you develop.”
That’s what organizational psychologist and podcast host Adam Grant believes, and he offers a new framework on how we can elevate ourselves and others in his latest book, Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things.
This week on How I Built This Lab, insights on what great entrepreneurs have in common and the steps anyone can take to develop these skills. Plus, redesigning workplace systems to foster greater collaboration, and cultivating untapped potential in the generations to come.
This episode was researched and produced by Carla Esteves, with music by Ramtin Arablouei.
It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineer was Neal Rauch.
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