Hidden Potential

Hidden Potential should be required reading for anyone who (1) Interfaces with the public, (2) Makes decisions within an organization, institution, or business, or (3) Has a desire to understand or utilize human potential. If you've read any of Mr. Grant's work, then Hidden Potential will feel familiar. Using stories to highlight his ideas helps the reader understand both concept and the execution/result. With useful and relevant footnotes providing helpful context, Grant suggests valuing "potential over prodigy," with three main components; Character Skills, Scaffolding, and Systems. Again using stories to highlight the outcome of the research supporting his hypothesis, Grant keeps the reader engaged and provides excellent context for each component. Hidden Potential is a must read for leaders in the seemingly endless pursuit of talent. The American workforce is a totally new landscape, comprised of 3+ generations of workers and learners. As Grant notes, “Growth is less about how hard you work than how well you learn.” (p. 44) In an uncertain economy, retaining talent and nurturing the potential in the next generation of leaders has never been more relevant.

I just started this book. Saw the author on the Today show and sounded very interesting and thus far I am finding it not only interesting but enlightening.

Hidden Potential reframes success in a way that feels both grounded and motivating. Rather than focusing on talent or innate ability, Adam Grant emphasizes growth, character skills, and the environments that help people develop over time. The research is presented clearly, with real-world examples that make the ideas easy to apply. What stood out to me was the focus on progress over perfection and the reminder that excellence is often built through support, opportunity, and sustained effort—not raw genius. The book strikes a good balance between science and storytelling, making it engaging without feeling academic. Overall, this is a practical and encouraging read for anyone interested in personal development, leadership, or understanding how people grow into their capabilities.

Hidden Potential by Adam Grant is one of those books that emphasizes the importance of effort. It's not one of those books that claims everyone excels nor is it based on research asserting that there are only naturally gifted superstars. It doesn’t dismiss the existence of naturally talented individuals. Instead, it highlights how certain individuals, groups, or communities are committed to putting in the work. These individuals consistently strive to improve themselves every day, which enables them to reach the top. Their success is rooted in hard work, dedication, and a focused determination to overcome their circumstances. This book centers around that hidden potential—the proactive steps these individuals take to rise above their situations and environments. Their journeys often go unnoticed until they reveal remarkable stories of underdogs who lack privilege, fame, or fortune. What they possess is a strong work ethic and the discipline to persevere. I loved this book.

This book is going on my favorites list. It was a work assignment for our team and remains an all-time favorite for most of the team. I gave it to my high school son after we finished, and he enjoyed it as well. This book is so easy to read. You will not want to put it down. It is full of very interesting stories and facts. Not your typical self-help book (I am not a fan of those.)

This is one of my favorite books and I love Adam Grant. I sent each of my team members this book as a Christmas present and they found it thoughtful that their boss would think of sending a book like this. I even bought it in Spanish for my team members in Mexico.

I have liked Adam Grant’s books a lot. Each of them had a lasting impact of me in some way. If this book was only the first Section, Skills of Character, and some parts of the second my rating would be much higher. The book as a whole was not great. There were a lot of stories thrown together to loosely support the points he wanted to make. Section 3 was a rather incoherent collection of thoughts from his teachings and experiences in corporate psychology and how to make teams work. Overall, this book was not a great read but I don’t have regrets reading it because of the first Section. If you end up buying i recommend reading the first two sections and then close it. The celebrity reviews at the back did not resonate with me at all. Malcolm Gladwell: this is definitely not Grant’s finest work.

Enlightening. As most books of Grant, this one draws lights into several things I haven't thought before. Highly recommended for anyone who... To anyone, really.

セルフスキャホールディング、セルフブートストラッピングができるようになれば、自身のHIDDEN POTENTIALが引き出せ、相互スキャホールディングと相互ブートストラッピングができるようになれば、相手の/組織のHIDDEN POTENTIALが引き出せるようになると思いました。

This book is NOT about setting huge goals and dreams and trudging forward. It’s about developing character, being better than we were before, and coaching others to do the same. Adam writes so beautifully - he has distilled his ideas into beautiful nuggets. His personal stories showcase his humility and courage, as well as those of the others he shares in the book. Highly recommended if you want to set big goals and have the courage to follow through.

Just read it, enjoy and learn!

A good read excellently put together.

Difficult to hold and read.bad quality paper and print.totally disappointed.