Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things

Brainwriting is a collaborative brainstorming technique where individuals write down their ideas independently before sharing them with a group. This method helps prevent groupthink and ensures that all voices are heard more equally, leading to more diverse and innovative solutions. Grant discusses brainwriting as an effective strategy for maximizing collective intelligence in teams.

Character skills encompass positive personal qualities such as resilience, empathy, and integrity. Grant argues that these skills are just as important, if not more so, than cognitive skills for achieving success. Hidden Potential underscores the role of character skills in overcoming obstacles and making significant contributions in various fields.

Collective intelligence is the added knowledge value that emerges from collective efforts. Grant explores how the best teams are not just composed of the best individuals but are those that effectively harness the collective intelligence of all members. He provides examples of how diverse perspectives and skills can lead to superior problem-solving and innovation.

A fixed mindset is an approach based on the belief that abilities and intelligence are static and unchangeable. Grant critiques the fixed mindset as a barrier to personal and collective growth, and links this to the traditional ideology of innate talent as the arbiter of success and potential. The opposite of a fixed mindset is a growth mindset.

A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. It was first coined by the academic psychologist Carol Dweck in 2009 in her research into athletic training and excellence. Grant uses her research to show how adopting a growth mindset can lead to greater achievement and success. The book illustrates this concept through a variety of examples of individuals in various fields who have all transformed their lives by embracing a growth mindset.

Hidden potential refers to the untapped abilities and capacities within individuals that can be developed over time. Grant argues that everyone has hidden potential that can be unlocked through effort, learning, and supportive environments. The book provides strategies and insights on how to discover and nurture this potential in oneself and others.

Impostor syndrome is a recognized psychological condition that describes the persistent feeling of being a fraud despite evident success and accomplishments. Grant discusses how many high-achieving individuals experience this syndrome and how it can hinder their progress. He suggests strategies for overcoming impostor syndrome by recognizing and building on one’s achievements and potential.

Mentorship involves a relationship where an experienced individual provides guidance and support to a less experienced person. Grant emphasizes the importance of mentors in helping individuals navigate challenges, develop skills, and realize their potential. He shares examples of how effective mentorship can significantly impact personal and professional growth.

Psychological safety describes a collective state in which each team member feels able to undertake appropriate interpersonal risk-taking. In the context of Hidden Potential, this means environments where team members feel comfortable expressing their ideas and making mistakes. Grant argues that such environments are crucial for fostering innovation and collective intelligence.

Resilience is the ability to recover from setbacks and persist in the face of adversity. Grant highlights resilience as a key character skill that contributes to long-term success. The book discusses various ways to build and strengthen resilience, illustrating its importance through stories of individuals who have overcome significant obstacles.

Talent traditionally refers to natural aptitude or skill. Grant challenges the conventional emphasis on innate talent, advocating instead for recognizing and developing potential through effort and perseverance. He argues that focusing on talent alone can overlook individuals who have the capacity for significant growth and achievement.

Team dynamics refer to the interactions and relationships among team members that influence the team’s functioning and performance, whether positively or negatively. Grant explores how effective team dynamics can enhance collective intelligence and lead to better outcomes. He provides strategies for building strong, cohesive teams that leverage the strengths of all members.

Work samples are tangible pieces of work that demonstrate an individual’s skills and abilities, and which can demonstrate progress over time. Grant discusses the importance of using work samples in evaluations and hiring processes to get a clearer picture of a candidate’s potential. He provides examples of how work samples can be more indicative of future performance than traditional snapshot methods of evaluation like resumés or interviews.