The Overlooked Qualities That Signal Future Success—and How to Nurture Them

Illustration by Michael Keany/AI

In "The Overlooked Qualities That Signal Future Success—and How to Nurture Them," published on February 23, 2024, by Andrew Boryga, bestselling author and psychologist Adam Grant challenges conventional metrics of achievement, such as grade point averages, as sole predictors of future success. Through his latest book, "Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things," Grant argues against the notion that greatness is predominantly innate, emphasizing instead the importance of nurturing intangible qualities like discipline, determination, proactivity, and prosocial behavior.

Grant's perspective is informed by his experiences and research in social science and economics, alongside case studies from various fields. He criticizes the traditional focus on early academic prowess, advocating for educational approaches that promote growth over performance and encourage students to overcome challenges. Highlighting the story of the Raging Rooks, a chess team from Harlem that outperformed a more experienced and affluent team, Grant illustrates the potential for success when individuals are motivated and supported to develop their strengths.

The article also touches on the limitations within the educational system that hinder the recognition and development of students' potential, such as time constraints and the pressure on teachers to adhere to standardized testing and curricula. Grant suggests that a deeper understanding of students' abilities and interests, beyond the classroom, is essential for tapping into their hidden potential.

Furthermore, Grant discusses the significance of character skills over traditional academic skills in predicting future success, citing research by Raj Chetty and colleagues. He advocates for educational practices that foster these skills, such as the jigsaw classroom model, which promotes prosocial behavior and deeper learning through teaching and collaboration among students.

Addressing the role of discomfort in learning, Grant challenges the avoidance of uncomfortable situations in education, arguing that struggle and discomfort are indicators of growth opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of civil debate and disagreement in developing critical thinking and creativity, suggesting that educators should model respectful disagreement and open-mindedness.

On the topic of perfectionism, Grant highlights its detrimental effects on students' ability to adapt and thrive beyond the structured environment of school. He proposes a shift in grading practices to focus on progress over time rather than static performance, suggesting the concept of a grade point trajectory as a more meaningful measure of a student's development.

In summary, Grant's insights offer educators a framework for rethinking how potential is identified and nurtured in students, advocating for a more holistic and growth-oriented approach to education that values character development and adaptability as keys to future success.

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com