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Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Nonfiction (2023)#1 New York Times Bestseller“This brilliant book will shatter your assumptions about what it takes to improve and succeed. I wish I could go back in time and gift it to my younger self. It would’ve helped me find a more joyful path to progress.” —Serena Williams, 23-time Grand Slam singles tennis championThe #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again illuminates how we can elevate ourselves and others to unexpected heights.We live in a world that’s obsessed with talent. We celebrate gifted students in school, natural athletes in sports, and child prodigies in music. But admiring people who start out with innate advantages leads us to overlook the distance we ourselves can travel. We underestimate the range of skills that we can learn and how good we can become. We can all improve at improving. And when opportunity doesn’t knock, there are ways to build a door.Hidden Potential offers a new framework for raising aspirations and exceeding expectations. Adam Grant weaves together groundbreaking evidence, surprising insights, and vivid storytelling that takes us from the classroom to the boardroom, the playground to the Olympics, and underground to outer space. He shows that progress depends less on how hard you work than how well you learn. Growth is not about the genius you possess—it’s about the character you develop. Grant explores how to build the character skills and motivational structures to realize our own potential, and how to design systems that create opportunities for those who have been underrated and overlooked.Many writers have chronicled the habits of superstars who accomplish great things. This book reveals how anyone can rise to achieve greater things. The true measure of your potential is not the height of the peak you’ve reached, but how far you’ve climbed to get there.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published October 24, 2023
About the author
Adam M. Grant
14 books19.7k followersAdam Grant has been Wharton’s top-rated professor for 7 straight years. As an organizational psychologist, he is a leading expert on how we can find motivation and meaning, and live more generous and creative lives. He has been recognized as one of the world’s 10 most influential management thinkers and Fortune’s 40 under 40.
He is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 5 books that have sold millions of copies and been translated into 35 languages: Think Again, Give and Take, Originals, Option B, and Power Moves. His books have been named among the year’s best by Amazon, Apple, the Financial Times, and the Wall Street Journal. His New York Times article on languishing is one of the most-shared articles of 2021.
Adam hosts WorkLife, a chart-topping TED original podcast. His TED talks on original thinkers and givers and takers have been viewed more than 30 million times. He received a standing ovation at TED in 2016 and was voted the audience’s favorite speaker at The Nantucket Project. His speaking and consulting clients include Google, the NBA, Bridgewater, and the Gates Foundation. He writes on work and psychology for the New York Times, has served on the Defense Innovation Board at the Pentagon, and has been honored as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. He has more than 5 million followers on social media and features new insights in his free monthly newsletter, GRANTED.
He is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 5 books that have sold millions of copies and been translated into 35 languages: Think Again, Give and Take, Originals, Option B, and Power Moves. His books have been named among the year’s best by Amazon, Apple, the Financial Times, and the Wall Street Journal. His New York Times article on languishing is one of the most-shared articles of 2021.
Adam hosts WorkLife, a chart-topping TED original podcast. His TED talks on original thinkers and givers and takers have been viewed more than 30 million times. He received a standing ovation at TED in 2016 and was voted the audience’s favorite speaker at The Nantucket Project. His speaking and consulting clients include Google, the NBA, Bridgewater, and the Gates Foundation. He writes on work and psychology for the New York Times, has served on the Defense Innovation Board at the Pentagon, and has been honored as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. He has more than 5 million followers on social media and features new insights in his free monthly newsletter, GRANTED.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,733 reviews
December 19, 2023
Everyone should uncover their hidden potential.
Certainly, discovering the hidden potential in others is more challenging.
Adam Grant has conducted research and identified methods to build character and create opportunities.
The book is filled with fascinating real-world examples, from Olympic athletes to classroom teachers, illustrating how these principles can be applied across various contexts.
By the way, I am also on a journey to discover my hidden potential.
Good luck to all of us.
Certainly, discovering the hidden potential in others is more challenging.
Adam Grant has conducted research and identified methods to build character and create opportunities.
The book is filled with fascinating real-world examples, from Olympic athletes to classroom teachers, illustrating how these principles can be applied across various contexts.
By the way, I am also on a journey to discover my hidden potential.
Good luck to all of us.
November 3, 2023
Adam Grant has been my favorite nonfiction author for several years now. His new book, Hidden Potential, delivers again and for me, was an excellent example of the right book at the right time!
This book highlights the character we develop when we’re willing to try new things, make mistakes, and start before we truly feel ready. It’s about our growth. The early chapters of Hidden Potential especially resonated with me, and so did the epilogue.
“Becoming a creature of discomfort can unlock hidden potential in many different types of learning. Summoning the nerve to face discomfort is a character skill-an especially important form of determination. It takes three kinds of courage: to abandon your tried-and-true methods, to put yourself in the ring before you feel ready, and to make more mistakes than others make attempts. The best way to accelerate growth is to embrace, seek, and amplify discomfort.”
Most of suffer from imposter syndrome at one time or another. As Adam points out, when we feel others are overestimating us, we’re often underestimating ourselves. “When multiple people believe in you, it might be time to believe them.”
Highly recommend — 4.5 stars
This book highlights the character we develop when we’re willing to try new things, make mistakes, and start before we truly feel ready. It’s about our growth. The early chapters of Hidden Potential especially resonated with me, and so did the epilogue.
“Becoming a creature of discomfort can unlock hidden potential in many different types of learning. Summoning the nerve to face discomfort is a character skill-an especially important form of determination. It takes three kinds of courage: to abandon your tried-and-true methods, to put yourself in the ring before you feel ready, and to make more mistakes than others make attempts. The best way to accelerate growth is to embrace, seek, and amplify discomfort.”
Most of suffer from imposter syndrome at one time or another. As Adam points out, when we feel others are overestimating us, we’re often underestimating ourselves. “When multiple people believe in you, it might be time to believe them.”
Highly recommend — 4.5 stars
October 31, 2023
This is far out of what I usually read, but @sharonsaysso chose it for her book club, so I was looking forward to expanding my reading choices. And Adam Grant always has such great ideas via social media posts, I was interested in seeing his full work.
Overall I found it interesting, but none of it seemed like new information to me - more like interesting stories & studies to back up things I already knew.
Grant reads the audiobook, which feels like a long-form podcast, and there are quite a few differences between the audio & the hard copy - from what I experienced, I’d recommend the audio.
If leadership studies or growing yours or others’ potential is an interest of yours, I would definitely recommend this. I think I’m just not his prime audience.
Overall I found it interesting, but none of it seemed like new information to me - more like interesting stories & studies to back up things I already knew.
Grant reads the audiobook, which feels like a long-form podcast, and there are quite a few differences between the audio & the hard copy - from what I experienced, I’d recommend the audio.
If leadership studies or growing yours or others’ potential is an interest of yours, I would definitely recommend this. I think I’m just not his prime audience.
March 10, 2024
God, I love Adam Grant.
This book does exactly what it says on the tin: how to meet and extract your own hidden potential. We often get it wrong in evaluating what we and others are capable of, but through some really interesting examples, Grant will demonstrate how we can better meet goals, find fulfillment, and help others do the same.
I get it. From the outside (meaning the covers, titles) his books look like self-help books for people looking to climb the corporate ladder. DON'T BE FOOLED! Grant is an organizational psychologist but his observations and insights touch on every part of our lives. His books have - no joke - changed my life many times over. He did it again in this book. Later today, I'm going to be taking his advice about turning practice into play and taking focus breaks.
This book does exactly what it says on the tin: how to meet and extract your own hidden potential. We often get it wrong in evaluating what we and others are capable of, but through some really interesting examples, Grant will demonstrate how we can better meet goals, find fulfillment, and help others do the same.
I get it. From the outside (meaning the covers, titles) his books look like self-help books for people looking to climb the corporate ladder. DON'T BE FOOLED! Grant is an organizational psychologist but his observations and insights touch on every part of our lives. His books have - no joke - changed my life many times over. He did it again in this book. Later today, I'm going to be taking his advice about turning practice into play and taking focus breaks.
Want to read
December 29, 2023This quiz is based on Adam Grant's research on three character skills that help to unleash hidden potential:
https://wharton.qualtrics.com/jfe/for...
Imperfectionists know when to aim for the best and when to be satisfied with good enough
Discomfort seekers refuse to let feelings of awkwardness, insecurity, and embarrassment stand in the way of growth
Sponges absorb useful information and filter out less relevant perspectives
YOUR PROFILE
Based on your responses, your strongest character skill lies in being a sponge. You don't hesitate to seek guidance on how you can improve and filter the information you receive based on its quality and relevance to you.
To unlock your hidden potential, it might be helpful to work toward becoming more of a discomfort seeker. That involves putting yourself in unfamiliar situations that stretch you beyond your strengths.
For example, you might deliberately take on a challenge that you don’t feel quite ready to pursue. You could also try teaching someone else how to do a task that you haven’t mastered yet.
Adam Grant on How to Reach New Heights
https://magazine.wharton.upenn.edu/is...
Rethinking impostor syndrome and unlocking your hidden potential
https://open.substack.com/pub/adamgra...
Talks@GOOGL
https://youtu.be/EZBz5c5IWTU?si=QNqqs...
Character Over Cognition -Pennsylvania Gazette
https://thepenngazette.com/character-...
https://wharton.qualtrics.com/jfe/for...
Imperfectionists know when to aim for the best and when to be satisfied with good enough
Discomfort seekers refuse to let feelings of awkwardness, insecurity, and embarrassment stand in the way of growth
Sponges absorb useful information and filter out less relevant perspectives
YOUR PROFILE
Based on your responses, your strongest character skill lies in being a sponge. You don't hesitate to seek guidance on how you can improve and filter the information you receive based on its quality and relevance to you.
To unlock your hidden potential, it might be helpful to work toward becoming more of a discomfort seeker. That involves putting yourself in unfamiliar situations that stretch you beyond your strengths.
For example, you might deliberately take on a challenge that you don’t feel quite ready to pursue. You could also try teaching someone else how to do a task that you haven’t mastered yet.
Adam Grant on How to Reach New Heights
https://magazine.wharton.upenn.edu/is...
Rethinking impostor syndrome and unlocking your hidden potential
https://open.substack.com/pub/adamgra...
Talks@GOOGL
https://youtu.be/EZBz5c5IWTU?si=QNqqs...
Character Over Cognition -Pennsylvania Gazette
https://thepenngazette.com/character-...
December 11, 2023
I’m a big fan of Adam Grant’s work; I find that he’s both an engaging writer and brings forward a lot of interesting, nuanced analyses of existing research + his own in an accessible way. That said, I think that this book suffers from what many books in the genre suffer from: the people and examples that he uses to humanize research insights are mostly people like mountaineers in ill health who climb Everest, sports superstars, and the like. While I understand that these examples make for good writing and that the hyperbolic nature of their accomplishments drive his points home, it becomes tiresome and hard to relate. I’d love to see an edition of this book with the examples swapped out for the middle manager who made a big difference at their org, or the mediocre student who went on to become a partner at his law firm, or the meh yoga trainee who opened a studio that was super successful. The consequence, for me, of examples and stories that were so extraordinary was that I struggled to make the connection for how I could apply this knowledge to my own personal and professional life.
April 19, 2024
Fantastică, recomand cartea asta oricui!
Ai la dispoziție o mulțime de idei, exemple și povești care să te ajute să fii cea mai bună versiune a ta.
Ai la dispoziție o mulțime de idei, exemple și povești care să te ajute să fii cea mai bună versiune a ta.
November 3, 2023
Fine content (maybe a bit general and likely stuff most of us have heard) but the audio drove me bananas. He did a "full cast" version where people interviewed or examples given were the real people. Which is fine in theory, but SO many of the recordings were different quality levels. The one he used of Steve Martin from his podcast sounded like he was on his cell phone in a closet... it was soo jarring and distracting to the flow of the book. He also had music and sound bytes occasionally which do not sound good sped up 🤦♀️ it was more like a podcast than a high quality book recording in parts.
November 1, 2023
I want to start by saying I love Adam & the audiobook production was fantastic, but I can’t let that sway my overall feeling towards the book.
Maybe for someone first delving into self help/personal development, this would be great. Or someone who just wants a very easy read In that genre.
This book, to me, just wasn’t anything different.
It was enjoyable, and interesting, but I didn’t take away as much from it as one might want to.
I would have love to see this as a podcast with more in-depth interviews with the people mentioned in the book and more applications to daily life.
A lot of the “help” part of this book is pretty obvious, stuff people who are looking to grow already know what to do.
With that said, it won’t stop me from reading adams other work.
*on audible I gave an overall 4 star because of the production and cast.
Maybe for someone first delving into self help/personal development, this would be great. Or someone who just wants a very easy read In that genre.
This book, to me, just wasn’t anything different.
It was enjoyable, and interesting, but I didn’t take away as much from it as one might want to.
I would have love to see this as a podcast with more in-depth interviews with the people mentioned in the book and more applications to daily life.
A lot of the “help” part of this book is pretty obvious, stuff people who are looking to grow already know what to do.
With that said, it won’t stop me from reading adams other work.
*on audible I gave an overall 4 star because of the production and cast.
March 31, 2024
Listened to the audiobook and I really appreciated the audio clips from the individuals the author used as an example throughout the book. Overall an insightful self-help book for anyone who interacts with other humans (regardless of age).
January 9, 2024
از فصل به فصل این کتاب لذت بردم. قبل از شروعش چند تا ریویو خوندم که آدام گرانت اومده بهترین نکات رو یک جا جمع کرده. بهترین توصیف درباره کتاب همینه. جوری نیست که با خوندن هر فصل شگفتزده بشین از مطالب جدید ولی جوری که مطالب درست کنار هم قرار گرفتن این اثر رو خوندنی میکنه.
با توجه به سابقه آدام گرانت به عنوان استاد دانشگاه و روانشناس صنعتیسازمانی، محتوای کتابش برای افرادی که در حوزه یادگیری کار میکنن یا مشغول به کار در سازمان هستن، خصوصا متخصصهای منابع انسانی بسیار کاربردیه. در واقع به نظرم این کتاب شبیه کتابی مثل «عادتهای اتمی» نیست که به روزمره زندگی مربوط باشه و بشه به همه آدمها پیشنهادش کرد.
مفهوم اصلیای که کتاب روش مانور میده، یادگیریه ولی این وسط به کار تیمی، مدیریت عملکرد و engagement اشارههای زیادی میشه.
تو فصل اول از مهارتهای منش میگه. چهار مهارتی که میتونه بیشتر از هر مهارت فنی در پیشرفت آدمها دخیل باشه (پیشگام بودن، جامعهمحور بودن، منضبط بودن، مصمم بودن). یکی از بخشهای مورد علاقهم تو این فصل جاییه که میگه یادگیری مسیر سختیه. هر جا اومدن براتون خوشگلش کردن و گفتن آسونش کردیم بدونین که واقعی نیست. این رنج رو بپذیر و برو جلو. حتی به نظرم شجاعت به خرج داده که اومده سبکهای یادگیری رو هم برده زیر سوال. مثل اینی که بعضیها یادگیریشون حرکتیه، بعضیها شنیدنیه و غیره. در واقع باوری به این مدل ادا و اصولها د�� یادگیری نداره.
فصل دوم تمرکزش بیشتر روی انگیزه و استمرار در یادگیریه. تو قسمت دوم این فصل، از خمودگی در یادگیری حرف میزنه. جایی که حس میکنی رسیدی به بنبست. جالبه که خودش هم در همین اواسط کتاب به خمودگی رسیده. نمیتونسته خوب پیش ببرتش و مثالهای درستی بیاره.
فصل سوم کتاب مفاهیم فردی به سمت مفاهیم جمعی میره. اول از مدارس فنلاند برامون حرف میزنه و رازهای موفقیت اونجا و بعد از اهمیت همفکری در تیمها و در نهایت راهنمایی برای این که چطور توانمندیهای نهان آدمها رو کشف کنیم. خصوصا در مصاحبهها.
لحن کتاب صمیمانهست و اونقدر مثالها جذابن که آدم خسته نمیشه. حتی تصویرسازیهای کتاب هم جالبتوجه بودن. در کل کتابیه که دوباره بهش بازخواهم گشت. نکاتش رو باید بارها مرور کرد.
یه کار خوبی هم که نمیدونم نشر نوین انجام داده یا نسخه اصلی کتاب اینجوری بوده اینه که اومدن نکات مهم هر فصل رو آخر کتاب جمعآوری کردن. میشه بدون این که لازم باشه کل کتاب رو از اول بخونی، یه دور همه چیز رو مرور کنی.
با توجه به سابقه آدام گرانت به عنوان استاد دانشگاه و روانشناس صنعتیسازمانی، محتوای کتابش برای افرادی که در حوزه یادگیری کار میکنن یا مشغول به کار در سازمان هستن، خصوصا متخصصهای منابع انسانی بسیار کاربردیه. در واقع به نظرم این کتاب شبیه کتابی مثل «عادتهای اتمی» نیست که به روزمره زندگی مربوط باشه و بشه به همه آدمها پیشنهادش کرد.
مفهوم اصلیای که کتاب روش مانور میده، یادگیریه ولی این وسط به کار تیمی، مدیریت عملکرد و engagement اشارههای زیادی میشه.
تو فصل اول از مهارتهای منش میگه. چهار مهارتی که میتونه بیشتر از هر مهارت فنی در پیشرفت آدمها دخیل باشه (پیشگام بودن، جامعهمحور بودن، منضبط بودن، مصمم بودن). یکی از بخشهای مورد علاقهم تو این فصل جاییه که میگه یادگیری مسیر سختیه. هر جا اومدن براتون خوشگلش کردن و گفتن آسونش کردیم بدونین که واقعی نیست. این رنج رو بپذیر و برو جلو. حتی به نظرم شجاعت به خرج داده که اومده سبکهای یادگیری رو هم برده زیر سوال. مثل اینی که بعضیها یادگیریشون حرکتیه، بعضیها شنیدنیه و غیره. در واقع باوری به این مدل ادا و اصولها د�� یادگیری نداره.
فصل دوم تمرکزش بیشتر روی انگیزه و استمرار در یادگیریه. تو قسمت دوم این فصل، از خمودگی در یادگیری حرف میزنه. جایی که حس میکنی رسیدی به بنبست. جالبه که خودش هم در همین اواسط کتاب به خمودگی رسیده. نمیتونسته خوب پیش ببرتش و مثالهای درستی بیاره.
فصل سوم کتاب مفاهیم فردی به سمت مفاهیم جمعی میره. اول از مدارس فنلاند برامون حرف میزنه و رازهای موفقیت اونجا و بعد از اهمیت همفکری در تیمها و در نهایت راهنمایی برای این که چطور توانمندیهای نهان آدمها رو کشف کنیم. خصوصا در مصاحبهها.
لحن کتاب صمیمانهست و اونقدر مثالها جذابن که آدم خسته نمیشه. حتی تصویرسازیهای کتاب هم جالبتوجه بودن. در کل کتابیه که دوباره بهش بازخواهم گشت. نکاتش رو باید بارها مرور کرد.
یه کار خوبی هم که نمیدونم نشر نوین انجام داده یا نسخه اصلی کتاب اینجوری بوده اینه که اومدن نکات مهم هر فصل رو آخر کتاب جمعآوری کردن. میشه بدون این که لازم باشه کل کتاب رو از اول بخونی، یه دور همه چیز رو مرور کنی.
January 5, 2024
Unfortunately a step in the wrong direction from Think Again. In the book Grant writes that he values feedback, so here goes. Started off strong, but part III seemed completely redundant to me, clearly for a different audience than the first two parts. Some chapters lacked clear cohesion, jumping from one story to another back to the first one (also too many sports references, nothing new with Adam Grant though). I understand that all three different parts had their own theme, but it would have been nice to tie them together more cohesively. The ideas introduced were good and I liked the personal anecdotes but needed more refining before being published, in my opinion.
March 13, 2024
Review to come.
Five stars.
Five stars.
December 9, 2023
For the most part, I really enjoyed this book!
Grant looks at the social science of hidden potential, and interviews a variety of people from athletes, to the people who helped rescue the trapped miners in Chile in 2010.
He doesn't just look at the outliers of success like prodigies, but rather he looks at how seemingly average people went out to achieve amazing things.
Breaking this down into three sections: Skills of Character, Skills for Motivation and Systems of Opportunity, Grant uses examples and gives advice for how anyone can achieve their own potential.
I only wish he would have focused more on the application of his ideas. He does give a nice summary of his main points at the end of the book which is helpful, but it would have been nice to give specific ideas and ways for people to systematically apply them to their own lives.
I'd still highly recommend this book, especially if you are a teacher or leader. It opens up your eyes for ways to see the potential in others and not just focus on a small, narrow category of traits and accomplishments.
Grant looks at the social science of hidden potential, and interviews a variety of people from athletes, to the people who helped rescue the trapped miners in Chile in 2010.
He doesn't just look at the outliers of success like prodigies, but rather he looks at how seemingly average people went out to achieve amazing things.
Breaking this down into three sections: Skills of Character, Skills for Motivation and Systems of Opportunity, Grant uses examples and gives advice for how anyone can achieve their own potential.
I only wish he would have focused more on the application of his ideas. He does give a nice summary of his main points at the end of the book which is helpful, but it would have been nice to give specific ideas and ways for people to systematically apply them to their own lives.
I'd still highly recommend this book, especially if you are a teacher or leader. It opens up your eyes for ways to see the potential in others and not just focus on a small, narrow category of traits and accomplishments.
November 27, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It is very thought-provoking, has a ton of useful information, and is very easy to read and follow. The tips in the book are very practical and easy to implement into your life. They don't require a huge overhaul and hours of your time but more of a mental change in what skills, habits, and character traits that you value. It sounds a bit cheesy to say this, but it really just leaves you with the feeling that you can do or be anything. Overall, it's just a very great book!!
"A critic sees your weaknesses and attacks your worst self. A cheerleader sees your strengths and celebrates your best self. A coach sees your potential and helps you become a better version of yourself."
"A critic sees your weaknesses and attacks your worst self. A cheerleader sees your strengths and celebrates your best self. A coach sees your potential and helps you become a better version of yourself."
December 24, 2023
The only hidden potential of this book was the cash it grabbed in sales...
All jokes aside, there is nothing that a veteran teacher with a master's degree in the related field has not gleamed. This is a conglomeration of a lot of recent pop science into an even more pop self-help book. The amount of games of telephone are bound of course to lead to this book likely being flimsy at best even a decade later, as the science and measurements made to gain these results are reversed or refuted.
Most aggravating is the continued use of obvious physical anecdotes like sports and climbing mountains as a catch-all for all fields, regardless of nuance. Are we really still doing this?
This feels like a "CEO Crash Course" book that cannot hope to move and shake like it wants to. There is no indication that any of this information will be perceived and implemented by a leader like Grant has laid it out. Grant's book could just as likely cause unforeseen consequences. The points that exist outside this possibility for confusion are the most obvious and therefore trite: "students don't like to read. And reading is important." Pff...
Particularly in the realm of education, Hidden Potential comes off as a book written in outer space. School districts don't just have a problem with literacy, they have a problem with even recommending books at all. As Grant says that the literary canon should be expanded to student interest, books are simultaneously being banned and scrutinized at an alarming rate. And so curriculums are tighter and more controlled than ever.
The audiobook version was quite bizarre, with Adam Grant's own voice laughing at his own jokes to emphasize their importance, creating the irksome sensation of a housewife on speed who's happy she's vacuuming.
There's a lot of facts and logic here, but truth is nowhere to be found.
All jokes aside, there is nothing that a veteran teacher with a master's degree in the related field has not gleamed. This is a conglomeration of a lot of recent pop science into an even more pop self-help book. The amount of games of telephone are bound of course to lead to this book likely being flimsy at best even a decade later, as the science and measurements made to gain these results are reversed or refuted.
Most aggravating is the continued use of obvious physical anecdotes like sports and climbing mountains as a catch-all for all fields, regardless of nuance. Are we really still doing this?
This feels like a "CEO Crash Course" book that cannot hope to move and shake like it wants to. There is no indication that any of this information will be perceived and implemented by a leader like Grant has laid it out. Grant's book could just as likely cause unforeseen consequences. The points that exist outside this possibility for confusion are the most obvious and therefore trite: "students don't like to read. And reading is important." Pff...
Particularly in the realm of education, Hidden Potential comes off as a book written in outer space. School districts don't just have a problem with literacy, they have a problem with even recommending books at all. As Grant says that the literary canon should be expanded to student interest, books are simultaneously being banned and scrutinized at an alarming rate. And so curriculums are tighter and more controlled than ever.
The audiobook version was quite bizarre, with Adam Grant's own voice laughing at his own jokes to emphasize their importance, creating the irksome sensation of a housewife on speed who's happy she's vacuuming.
There's a lot of facts and logic here, but truth is nowhere to be found.
January 16, 2024
This made me feel like less of a lost cause in life. Maybe I have a chance to do something with my life after all. I loved this part: “Many people associate procrastination with laziness, but psychologists find that procrastination is not a time-management problem, it’s an emotion-management problem. When you procrastinate you’re not avoiding effort, you’re avoiding the unpleasant feelings that the activity stirs up. Sooner or later though, you realize that you’re also avoiding getting where you want to go.”
October 25, 2023
I received an arc of this book and thought it was an excellent roadmap for getting the best out of ourselves and others - so much so that I intend to keep it and refer back to it, which I rarely do. The advice is practical, realistic, and well thought out. A few chapters were less impactful than others but overall it’s a great guide to real life improvement.
November 9, 2023
I’m always a fan of data reflecting social environments. Adam crosses the spectrum from kindergarten students to retirees with case studies outlining the building blocks and influences that unlock potential. Some moments that make you think, “hmm, that’s fascinating”…some data you might already be aware of or seems somewhat commonplace.
February 26, 2024
Do not waste your time to hear of how important character, work ethic, growth mindset, being surrounded with support and perseverance are to hidden potential. I should have quit midway, but wasted my time instead.
October 11, 2023
Some excellent chapters and a couple less excellent ones. Definitely some good stuff. 4.5.
April 8, 2024
Great read! And even better audiobook 🙌
February 5, 2024
'This book is not about ambition. It's about aspiration. Ambition is the outcome you want to attain. Aspiration is the person you hope to become.' I was drawn in by these words on the 7th page of the book. I had to put the book down and think about my own ambitions and aspirations. In fact, after every few pages, I felt the need to take a pause to absorb and reflect on the points mentioned by the author.
This book is a gold mine, each chapter unfolding the wealth of knowledge in most simple yet engaging manner. This is my first Adam Grant book, and I am already looking forward to exploring his other works. Although it falls in the category of self-help books, but it is far from preachy. Adam Grant's mastery in psychology and his stature as a social-scientist clearly reflects in his writing. The concepts are beautifully intertwined with real life examples, and they feel authentic and achievable. Reading about once-ordinary people who have made it big in this world with simple acts of honesty and persistence gives hope and brought a smile to my face more than once.
Hidden potential is about believing that there is untapped potential waiting to be realized in each and every one of us. How and at which-point-in-life does one reach to the level of excellence is dependent on many factors and circumstances. Interestingly, Grant covers these factors and support system with real life stories and demonstrates how opportunities (or lack thereof) and a network of assistance significantly impacts one's growth trajectory. From parents and educators to organizations and mentors, each entity plays a crucial role in nurturing a high potential individual.
The differentiating factor of this book is the stories that bind the whole narrative. Any person or incident mentioned in the book has been thoroughly researched and presented with compassion, not merely as a subject. Take, for instance, the story of son of an immigrant family, who couldn't hold a conversation in English in his early years but went on to become an Astronaut with NASA at the age of 47. Another remarkable tale is about how The Royal Academy of Music changed its rules to admit a deaf musician who is now recognized as world's first and finest solo percussionist artist. Adam Grant has used these and many more real life inspirational stories to convey his points. Even if the concepts fade away, these stories will remain.
As soon as I completed the book, I had a strong urge to start it again. I already know that this will be one of those books I will keep going back to. What makes revisiting this book easy is the simple yet Impactful illustrations covering almost all points conveyed in the text. In fact, they can act as an elaborate pictorial summary of the book. A comparable reference book to capture the essence of this read would be 'Atomic Habits'. If you enjoyed Atomic Habits, you are bound to love Hidden Potential. I am on to shortlisting my next Adam Grant book, happy reading folks.
This book is a gold mine, each chapter unfolding the wealth of knowledge in most simple yet engaging manner. This is my first Adam Grant book, and I am already looking forward to exploring his other works. Although it falls in the category of self-help books, but it is far from preachy. Adam Grant's mastery in psychology and his stature as a social-scientist clearly reflects in his writing. The concepts are beautifully intertwined with real life examples, and they feel authentic and achievable. Reading about once-ordinary people who have made it big in this world with simple acts of honesty and persistence gives hope and brought a smile to my face more than once.
Hidden potential is about believing that there is untapped potential waiting to be realized in each and every one of us. How and at which-point-in-life does one reach to the level of excellence is dependent on many factors and circumstances. Interestingly, Grant covers these factors and support system with real life stories and demonstrates how opportunities (or lack thereof) and a network of assistance significantly impacts one's growth trajectory. From parents and educators to organizations and mentors, each entity plays a crucial role in nurturing a high potential individual.
The differentiating factor of this book is the stories that bind the whole narrative. Any person or incident mentioned in the book has been thoroughly researched and presented with compassion, not merely as a subject. Take, for instance, the story of son of an immigrant family, who couldn't hold a conversation in English in his early years but went on to become an Astronaut with NASA at the age of 47. Another remarkable tale is about how The Royal Academy of Music changed its rules to admit a deaf musician who is now recognized as world's first and finest solo percussionist artist. Adam Grant has used these and many more real life inspirational stories to convey his points. Even if the concepts fade away, these stories will remain.
As soon as I completed the book, I had a strong urge to start it again. I already know that this will be one of those books I will keep going back to. What makes revisiting this book easy is the simple yet Impactful illustrations covering almost all points conveyed in the text. In fact, they can act as an elaborate pictorial summary of the book. A comparable reference book to capture the essence of this read would be 'Atomic Habits'. If you enjoyed Atomic Habits, you are bound to love Hidden Potential. I am on to shortlisting my next Adam Grant book, happy reading folks.
December 22, 2023
كتاب مهم ومفيد.
وكالمعتاد من أسلوب آدم جرانت. فهو يسرد القصص والحكايات، وقد يطول بعضها، ويمزجها بدراسات وأبحاث علمية حديثة، وأفكار واقتباسات وخلاصات عملية. بالإضافة إلى الرسوم والخلاصات في نهاية الكتاب.
هذا الكتاب يتحدث عن تلك الإمكانيات التي تعيش فينا، وتنتظر كشفها وتفعيلها، بفعل ذاتي أحيانا، أو بتفعيل خارجي.
وجدت في الكتاب كثيرا مما أعجبني، ولطالما مللت من القصص المطولة في ثنايا مثل هذه الكتب.
سيضيف هذا الكتاب الكثير للمدربين والمعلمين، وللباحثين عن سبيل أفضل لاستخراج كنوز النفوس وجواهرها، وعن فهم أعمق للسلوك البشري في النضج و التميز.
وكالمعتاد من أسلوب آدم جرانت. فهو يسرد القصص والحكايات، وقد يطول بعضها، ويمزجها بدراسات وأبحاث علمية حديثة، وأفكار واقتباسات وخلاصات عملية. بالإضافة إلى الرسوم والخلاصات في نهاية الكتاب.
هذا الكتاب يتحدث عن تلك الإمكانيات التي تعيش فينا، وتنتظر كشفها وتفعيلها، بفعل ذاتي أحيانا، أو بتفعيل خارجي.
وجدت في الكتاب كثيرا مما أعجبني، ولطالما مللت من القصص المطولة في ثنايا مثل هذه الكتب.
سيضيف هذا الكتاب الكثير للمدربين والمعلمين، وللباحثين عن سبيل أفضل لاستخراج كنوز النفوس وجواهرها، وعن فهم أعمق للسلوك البشري في النضج و التميز.
December 12, 2023
DNF at 14%. He broke the 4th wall and now I’m annoyed and 5 people are waiting on it in Libby and they can have a go.
December 8, 2023
پر از نمونه ها و پژوهش های جذابه ولی انسجام لازمو نداره، جمله ی تایتل هم گمراه کنندس. بیشتر برای کسایی که به لیدرشیپ و جذب و استخدام علاقه مندن نوشته شده.
December 13, 2023
I love Adam Grant! I love his podcast, I love the quotes he posts on social media, I love his books! The part of this book for me was his thoughts on different metrics to measure potential, and the inspirational account of the call centre in Israel hiring people with disabilities and how the interviews were conducted. Lots of good nuggets throughout.
December 29, 2023
Book #50 of the year and possibly my favorite one. Read it in less than a day. Fantastic! Definitely will be rereading/referencing in the future, especially as it pertains to my writing life.
October 24, 2023
Another hit. Recommend listen to this book since there are actual interview clips. Adam Grant joins Malcom Gladwell on that list
October 29, 2023
When I heard Adam was writing a new book, I was super excited. I grabbed this one on release day and binged it pretty quick. Adam is a phenomenal writer, and this book didn’t disappoint at all. The book is all about finding your hidden potential as well as how to spot hidden potential in others. When he starts writing about how hiring decisions or selecting applicants are typically made up of flawed processes, it is spot on. I really hope a lot of leaders read this book to better understand how to find hidden potential rather than just looking for the typical stuff on an application or resumé.
My only criticism is that I listened to the audiobook, and sometimes, books decide to put in music and clips from interviews. For some reason, the quality is always poor, and I have no clue why. It goes from perfect quality narration to grainy interviews or low-quality music.
But overall, this is a must-read and I hope it gets the attention it deserves.
My only criticism is that I listened to the audiobook, and sometimes, books decide to put in music and clips from interviews. For some reason, the quality is always poor, and I have no clue why. It goes from perfect quality narration to grainy interviews or low-quality music.
But overall, this is a must-read and I hope it gets the attention it deserves.
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