A study on NBA games revealed that teams often improve when their star players are briefly injured. According to the research, an optimal time off for a team's star player is about 43 games after missing 15 games. This study highlights the importance of potential and improvement within teams as it shows that when a star player gets hurt, other team members have to adapt and take on new roles, which can lead to the discovery of hidden talents and strengths.
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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