It is no secret that the Incahoots Business Book Club are fans of Adam Grant. We read “Think Again” in 2023 and are reading not one but two of his books this year, Hidden Potential and Originals (2024).
January saw us complete the book Hidden Potential and here are my key lessons from this book. As I will see him live (IRL baby) in Sydney on 22nd Feb, I thought it would be apt to share. So, let’s do this…
Key Concepts
Absorptive capacity
I now have a term for being able to hear a new concept or idea, understand and digest it and then determine an immediate application for it. This is exciting, as this is what I do with information all the time.
Languishing
This is when you are not ‘burnt out’ and not ‘bored out’ but somewhere in between. I recognise this in myself often and this that this might be a stage of gathering resources to be able to take the next mountain. I am also acutely aware when I start getting cross, I am about to take action. (Loving new terminology)
Reinforces side hustles make you a better performer
This reinforces my learned experience. I know that I am way better at my day job (Organisational Change) because I have a side hustle. Side hustles get you uncomfortable and way out of your comfort zone that you need to work out how to solve which increases your creativity and problem solving. I cannot imagine any organisation saying, ‘No thanks, we have enough creativity and problem solving here’.
It is not where you start, but how far you go that matters
There are many constraints that are imposed or self-imposed that make doing what you dream to do difficult. But there are also many ways to remove, go around or over those obstacles. So, look back periodically and see how far you have come. Sure, there is a long way to go, but you have solved every problem to get you to this point now, YAY YOU! (Actually, reminding myself of this right now – as I have been thwarted by a few obstacles)
Other fascinating items such as, the way the Finish school system creates opportunities for all and has the results to prove it, to wanting to add a degree of difficulty to life’s challenges to fully represent how far we have had to go to get where we are today, are covered as well.
My biggest lesson, the real clanger come on the last few pages. This is where Adam with the aid of a little cartoon exploded the imposter syndrome as a paradox.
Imposter Syndrome
Where Imposter syndrome looks like:
Others believe in you
You don't believe in yourself
Yet you believe yourself instead of them
Essentially it is saying – imposter syndrome might the sign of hidden talent as the paradox:
To sum it up, we all have Hidden Potential and there are ways to activate it in us all.
With a call to arms that aligns to my work “the worst type of success is achieving other people’s goals. Don’t live someone else’s dream.”
What does this mean for me?
I think this means a few key things:
Read/listen the book - If reading or listening is your thing, I would encourage you to have a look at this book to glean insights yourself. Plus, there is a survey, with some fun questions that relate to Taylor Swift songs.
Pursue you own dreams – if you are not sure what they are or just don't know how to activate them, that is where I come in. Serendipitously, Design Your Life on Purpose Quests, delivered IRL and Virtual are coming up or we can customise the approach and the pace using Strengths Based Coaching.
Remember the paradox – when you are stuck in the imposter syndrome spiral, flip and see it as an opportunity to explore a hidden talent.
DYLOP - IRL (In Real Life)
Saturday, 16th of March (full day)
The 1 day workshop covers all the 4 modules in the methodology, REFLECTION REVOLUTION, DREAM QUEST, DIRECTIONAL DESIGN, ANCHOR to get you well underway with your Strategic Life Map, including support mechanisms to use after. All tools and templates are provided for you as reference.
The venue has been chosen to be inspirational and relaxing. Throughout the day nourishing and comforting food will sustain you.
People choose this format because….
They can focus on the outcome of a Strategic Life Map in the day. The one day is all about them and what they want.
The DYLOP in real life (IRL) Quest Workshop runs with numbers between 4-12 to create a intimate and safe space.
DYLOP Virtual Workshop
11th of April to the 16th May, 6 week online program
The online version of DYLOP is delivered over 4 live coaching sessions, over 4 weeks. The first 3 sessions are 1.5 hours long and the last session 2 hours long. It covers all 4 modules, in the methodology, REFLECTION REVOLUTION, DREAM QUEST, DIRECTIONAL DESIGN, ANCHOR to get you well underway with your Strategic Life Map, including support mechanisms to use after. All tools and templates are provided for you as reference.
People choose this format because…
They like time to process information and percolate between sessions. The time also allows for actions to be taken between the sessions.
The DYLOP Virtual (online) Quest runs with numbers from 4-20 is a good size to create a intimate and safe space.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX - COMMON ACROSS BOTH FORMATS?
Reflection Revolution Preparation - Preparation before we start, reflecting on the last 12 months will prime you for change. Templates from the Reflection Revolution part of the Methodology will be shared prior to commencing.
3 Month ‘Group’ Coaching - you will be surprised how much you and the group have achieved in 3 months, inspiration assured.
3 Month ‘On on One’ Coaching - All about you! Focusing on you and what you need to progress your dreams
Invitation to attend DYLOP Coterie - Now you have graduated from DYLOP, you will be invited to the Alumni membership, where you will plan the next year, and progress your dream
one-on-one Coaching session
Customized for you and your pace - exactly what you need it to be.
Yours collaboratively,
Christina MM