Potential: A Broken Promise

Potential is an unfulfilled promise.

The #1 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft was Anthony Bennett. You probably haven’t heard of him. He played four games before scoring a point. He averaged 4 points and 3 rebounds for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He fizzled in 2017 after playing with four teams in four seasons.

“The issue with Anthony was, and we had no way of knowing it at the time, the kid had no desire to overcome adversity whatsoever. As soon as it was hard, he was out…” (David Griffin, GM of the Cavaliers.) 

Leaders turn potential into results.

7 Traits of Real Potential

#1. Commitment

• How are they demonstrating a commitment to personal growth?
• How do they respond to correction?
• When was the last time they asked for feedback?

A high potential who isn’t growing ends up spinning their wheels.

#2. Risk

• Are they challenging current processes?
• What new strategies have they recently tried?
• Are they able to outgrow current identity?
• Are they willing to speak hard truths?

#3. Self-reflection

• What are they learning from success? Failure?
• How does this person respond when challenged?
• How well do they understand what drives co-workers? Themselves?

#4. Humility

• Do they need the spotlight?
• Who are they lifting?
• What are they doing behind the scenes?

#5. Belief

• Do they believe in the mission?
• Are they task driven or mission driven?
• Are they compliant or committed?
• Do they go the extra mile?

#6. Stretch

• Do they widen their lane or play it safe?
• What new skill are they actively practicing?
• Are they pursuing bigger challenges?
• How do they respond when asked to expand their lane?

Entitlement protects identity; Potential embraces discomfort.

#7. Trust

• Are they control freaks?
• Do they need to do everything themselves?
• What authority are they giving away?
• What breaks when they’re on vacation?

Talent suggests possibility; potential expands with growth.

Which of the above qualities is most essential to real potential?