Hello, and happy Monday.
First a quote: “We must see people in terms of their future potential, not just their past performance.” – Sir John Whitmore
Let me start today with a simple assignment for the week ahead:
Step 1) Before you read any further, take a moment to reflect on a few of the people you’ll encounter this week—family, friends, colleagues, and coworkers. Visualize each of their faces, even if only for a few seconds.
Step 2) What is your perception of who those people are today—and who might they become in the future? Is there a gap? There should be. Why? Because we all have untapped potential yet to be explored, encouraged, and fulfilled. No one is exempt from this truth.
Let me share a short story from a recent coaching skills workshop.
As part of the workshop design, my client invited a couple of past graduates (now senior managers) to share their coaching experiences and lessons learned with the class. We called these one-hour sessions “Campfire Talks.” Sitting in a circle created an intimate space for sharing ideas and insights. Both speakers, Dan and Aaron, were wonderfully thoughtful and engaging.
Dan shared a story about a teenage neighbor who, on his own initiative, came over to shovel snow and do other odd jobs while Dan was out of town on business. The teenager saw an unmet need and offered help without being asked, demonstrating initiative, a willingness to work, and untapped potential.
Two main points to this story:
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The young man demonstrated both an attitude of helpfulness, and a solid work ethic.
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As a result, Dan saw potential in him and encouraged the young man to apply for an internship in East Penn Company’s sales program.
The result:
After a successful internship, he applied for and received a full-time position at East Penn Mfg. It all began at the crossroads of the two points above. What’s next for him? Time will tell.
How about you? Like Dan, are you able to see untapped potential in the people in your network, including your current associates?
One of our greatest responsibilities, as parents and leaders, is to encourage those around us to reach their full potential—now and in the future. But before we can do that, we must believe the potential exists, intentionally look for it, and help others see it, too.
“Life is like a ten-speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use.” – Charles M. Shultz
It’s easy to see faults and imperfections in others. It takes discipline, discernment, and focused attention to see what’s possible instead.
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When do their eyes light up?
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Where do they exhibit higher levels of energy?
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When do they stay later or give extra effort?
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Where are the dormant skills just waiting to be released?
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What is needed to bring it all to life? A little maturity? Confidence? Training? Mentoring? Perhaps just a few simple words of encouragement?
Here are six short tips for recognizing and nurturing untapped potential in those around you:
1. Look Beyond Current Performance
Don’t confuse what someone is doing today with what they are capable of tomorrow. Potential often hides behind inexperience, self-doubt, or lack of opportunity. Ask yourself: What might this person achieve with more confidence, clarity, or coaching?
2. Ask Curiosity-Driven Questions
Potential is uncovered through curiosity, not assumptions. Ask questions like:
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“What aspect of your job gives you the most energy?”
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“What’s something you’d love to learn or try?”
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“Where do you see yourself growing next?”
The answers reveal hidden interests, talents, and aspirations.
3. Catch People Doing Things Right
Most leaders spot mistakes faster than they recognize promise. Flip that script. Notice small wins, extra effort, or moments of creativity. Then, call them out, specifically. Recognition reinforces self-belief and signals that you see their value.
4. Share Stretch Opportunities Click here to read; Do You Develogate?)
Potential grows when challenged. Assign tasks that expand comfort zones without setting people up for failure. Offer a framework of mentorship, feedback, and time — so the stretch feels like growth, not punishment.
5. Reflect Potential Back to Them
Many people don’t see their own capabilities until someone reflects it back. Say things like:
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“You have a natural way of calming tense situations.”
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“I see leadership qualities in how you handled that project.”
Your belief becomes the mirror through which they begin to see themselves differently.
6. Be Patient and Consistent
Growth takes time. People don’t blossom on your schedule. Continue offering encouragement, feedback, and opportunities, especially when progress feels slow. The seeds you water today may not sprout until long after you’ve moved on.
Lastly, ask yourself what impact you might have on the individuals you thought of in Step 1 above. Will it be positive, negative or neutral; intentional or possibly unintentional?
What actions will you take this week to seek out untapped potential in others? Where can you build confidence and how? In what ways can you mentor others to help them see beyond their current reality?
We may never fully appreciate the impact of our words and actions, whether careless or thoughtful, can have on the lives of others. Let’s choose to be intentional about helping others explore their untapped potential.
In what ways will you help someone discover their untapped potential this week?
How will you live, love, or lead, differently or better this coming week?
Bonus quotes below.
Related articles:
Bryan Yager
“Expanding Your Capacity for Success”
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Bonus Quotes:
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“One way to change people, is to see them differently.” – Barry Stevens
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“It’s not what you’ve got, it’s what you use that makes a difference.” —Zig Ziglar
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“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” – Christian D. Larson
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“Your past is not your potential. In any hour you can choose to liberate the future.” — Marilyn Ferguson
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“Continuous effort—not strength or intelligence—is the key to unlocking our potential.” — Winston Churchill
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“Whenever you find yourself doubting how far you can go, just remember how far you have come.” – Author Unknown
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“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” – Mark Twain
