Thought-full Thursday: Potential
March 25th, 2010 | 
Author: Every Thursday, we provide you with a thoughtful way to coach yourself – something all leaders need to do. So take five – enjoy the inspirational quotes and reflect on the questions that follow.
Every life form seems to strive to it’s maximum except human beings. How tall will a tree grow? As tall as it possibly can. Human beings, on the other hand, have been given the dignity of choice. You can choose to be all or you can choose to be less. Why not stretch up to the full measure of the challenge to see see what you can do? ~Jim Rohm
Questions for you, the leader:
- What is the full measure of the potential that you will live up to?
- What will it look like, feel like, and be like when you fulfill your potential?
- What’s the first step you can take toward choosing to be all that you can?
- When will you start?
- Who will you ask to help you?
Questions for developing your team members:
- What is the full measure of the potential that each of your team members can live up to?
- What will it look like, feel like, and be like when each of them fulfills their potential?
- What’s the first step you can take toward choosing to assist them in being all that they you can?
- When will you start assisting them? How?
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8 Responses to “Thought-full Thursday: Potential”
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MJ. I find that I always relate my experiences now to the family where I think I have my greatest leadership challenges. While I don’t always concentrate on living up to my full potential – I do ask these questions. I also considered these when I managed staff in a previous life. And I wrestle with them now for my two stepsons.
As you know, my oldest is a teen and has autism. Trying to help him reach his full potential (whatever that is) and not lead him to feel that he isn’t measuring up is a constant battle.
This is what I have learned and this goes for us personally as well. Do not see people AS their potential but see them where they are NOW and accept them in the here and now. Otherwise you run the risk of disappointment. Each day pick a new challenge for you and for others. If they have trouble achieving it – reassess. Do they have the know how? Do they have the desire? If the first – teach / train. If the latter – coach.
Let me tell you, being a parent makes me realize that I sometimes don’t “deserve” my Master Coach Certification.
Hmm….if we let go of our own expectation for others, and focused on helping them to achieve their potential as they define it, I wonder what might happen?
I think families are so complex and tough. The relationships are the same – and also very different – than those in the workplace. I remember trying to coach my daughters as teenagers. The opportunities to do so were limited and had to be on their terms and time. As you say, they had to have the desire and I needed to be ready “in that moment” to assist them.
That is a great confluence of things that need to happen all at once – so opportunities to help them see their potential were limited!
Thanks for your comments – very thought-full!
Mary Jo – Thanks for sharing the great quote from Jim Rohn that inspired me.
During my coaching sessions with my team members, one statement that has most impact on most people is “You are more powerful than you think you are. You have more potential than you think you have.” Most people have no idea of how amazing they can be, unless they have someone who plays that important role of showing the mirror to their potential.
I have been fortunate enough to have mentors who have done that.
Thanks for thought-full Thursdays!
Tanmay, Thank YOU for stopping by with your wisdom. The truth is, that all of us are likely not living up to our potential. Nice that you could have mentors to help you!
Mary Jo,
I often think to myself why do people not try and do everything they can to live up to their full potential. Career wise, it seems like many people jsut get by or do the bare minimum. It seems like they will be stuck at their current level for the remainder of their carrer. It makes it easy for people who are extremely driven to come in and take charge or become a leader. In all areas of life I try to analyze what I can do better to fulfill my potential and be happier. Sometimes it’s hard to paint a picture for others of what they can be, people are by nature skeptical.
Thanks for sharing those quotes!
I think as leaders and managers we sometimes forget that we can indeed grow much more than what we currently are at in our lives. The question about what is your potential is a very important question even if you believe you are at that highest point you can reach. This is because there is always more room for improvement. Everyone should ask this question to themselves, and then they should go about accomplishing this by answering the remaining questions and never give up hope in the process.
Thought provoking quote Mary Jo,
I think the idea of not living up to potential is one that needs to be brought to everyone’s attention. I don’t think this country would have the issues it does if a larger majority of people tried to own their destiny and truly try to achieve greatness. I know I am always coming up with excuses as to why I am not bettering myself at work or at home on the weekends and I also know that when I do take action and achieve some potential I am very satisfied indeed
thanks
Joe
Eric, There are a lot of barriers in people’s way that keep them from living up to their potential. Sometimes, it just takes a passion to be illuminated or an individual to spark them to get it moving! I wonder if you might be more driven than most who don’t even try?
Nathaniel, I also think that a leader’s willingness to learn and develop sets a great example for others to follow!
Joe, I think you might have a point about taking action. Sometimes all it takes is a “baby step” to move forward and start on the journey of achievement! Thanks.