Business Insights from Hidden Potential by Adam Grant – Helping Ordinary People Achieve Extraordinary Growth

Hi everyone, this is Raymond Lee from Raymond’s Dental Solutions.

What if success isn’t about hiring the best people—but helping everyday people get better over time?

That’s the powerful message in Hidden Potential by Adam Grant. He challenges the usual idea that success depends on early talent or quick wins. Instead, he says the best organizations don’t just find talent—they develop it.

Here are five easy-to-apply lessons from the book to help you grow your team, your leadership, and your practice.

1. Focus on Growth, Not Just Talent

Skills aren’t fixed—people can improve with effort and support.

What you can do:

• Hire people who are eager to learn, not just the most experienced.

• Reward learning from mistakes instead of punishing them.

💡 Example: At Microsoft, CEO Satya Nadella promoted a “growth mindset” across the company—and saw a huge boost in teamwork and innovation.

2. Turn Feedback into Coaching

Instead of using feedback as criticism, use it to help others grow.

Try this:

• Ask team members: “What’s one thing I could do better?”

• Encourage leaders to coach, not just judge.

• Focus feedback on future improvement—not just past mistakes.

💡 Tip: Skip formal once-a-year reviews. Try ongoing peer feedback that supports growth.

3. Learn from Setbacks – Not Just Successes

Failure is part of success—not the opposite of it.

Action steps:

• After a tough project, do a quick team review: “What did we learn?”

• Create a safe space where people feel okay taking smart risks.

💡 Idea: End team meetings with a “bounce-back moment” to reflect on lessons learned.

4. Support Through Mentors and Teams

No one grows alone. People thrive with guidance and community.

Build this into your culture:

• Start a simple mentorship program.

• Form diverse, supportive teams that collaborate and challenge each other.

💡 Stat: Students with mentors are 23% more likely to succeed—imagine what that could do in your office.

5. Recognize Quiet Leaders (The Givers)

Some of your most valuable team members aren’t loud—they quietly lift others.

What you can do:

• Look for “givers” who help the team without needing credit.

• Use 360° feedback to find them—and give them more leadership opportunities.

  
  

Final Thought: Great Teams Grow Together

If we only invest in top performers, we miss out on the huge potential of others.

The best teams are built by creating a culture of learning, support, and growth—at every level. That’s how you build a practice that lasts.

Thanks for reading!