Research suggests that brief injuries to star players in basketball teams can actually improve the performance of the team overall. A study of 28,000 NBA games found that when the best player missed about 20% of the season to injury or absence, the team played better after their return. The temporary absence triggers a search for new routines that, when combined with pre-absence routines, improves teamwork and performance.
Today, we’re taking a break from war to talk about the science of human potential and a new book on that subject from the psychologist and bestselling author Adam Grant. In 'Hidden Potential,' Grant shares stories and studies across sports, religious history, coaching, and economics to explain why we're bad at cultivating our own potential and identifying ability in others. We talk about education and affirmative action, scouting quarterbacks, coaching Steph Curry, and, for reasons that will soon become apparent, the spread of Protestantism.
If you have questions, observations, or ideas for future episodes, email us at PlainEnglish@Spotify.com.
Host: Derek Thompson
Guest: Adam Grant
Producer: Devon Manze
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