Can you envision the "potential"?

A while ago we were looking to buying the parcel of land (which in fact we now own), and I remember spending an hour and a half wandering the property. Sometime during our trek I looked at my uncle Tom and asked him what he thought. 

His response was simply, "It has potential."  

As we looked at the thirty-six acre parcel of land (with a steam and a pond), we were not looking for what it was that day, but rather, what it could become in the future. 

And not surprisingly, based on how I know my brain works, this led me to think of a conversation I had a while ago with a former colleague who mentioned how one of my past hires was becoming very successful. In the same breath, he admitted he didn't understand why I had hired her in the first place and didn't think much of her capability at the time.

Like my uncle, I said, "She showed great potential".

Potential* by its very definition speaks to the future, but it's importance lies in the present as you consider and understand "what that potential is" and how it aligns with your vision, goals and dreams for the future. 

"Does someone currently have the potential to help build to the common long term goals?" Or maybe even more importantly, "Do I currently have the potential to achieve that vision I've set for myself?" Potential becomes a "key measure" to ensure and validate alignment with your vision and longer term goals; there is a cold reality that comes with envisioning yourself as a profession hockey player but not having any ability to skate or any understanding of the game. 

When hiring someone, the need to ensure the person has the ability to be successful in the role is important, but for me, the person's ability to be bigger than the role is crucial. I have always hired with the next role in mind. Potential is the great motivator, as it cultivates for the future. 

It should be remembered that potential represents the future and does not necessarily reflect someone's current capability (which, over the years I have seen confused, and inevitably leads to great disappointment). It is important to remember that potential needs to be developed, fostered and given an environment to flourish. Potential is situational and contextual, but there are some core fundamentals that seem to be common in those who people who make the most of what they have: 

• Confident in their ability, and a willingness to take on challenges.

• Strong work ethic, with a desire to go the "extra mile".

• Work in an environment that fosters potential, with leaders who manage to bring out the best in their people.

• Have a vision and the tenacity to go after it.

• Have a desire to achieve their potential.

• Understand that potential can be developed and comes with constant learning.

As I look back on my uncle's comment and our vision for a property and sanctuary that, he was right, "It does have Potential."

Now it's just a matter of realizing it.

iamgpe

* Potential is defined as latent qualities or abilities that may be developed and lead to future success or usefulness. Thank you Internet.