Why Reading Makes a Difference

“It is what you read when you don’t have to, that determines who you will be when you can’t help it” - Oscar Wilde

Recently this awesome book ‘Hidden Potential’ by Adam Grant has been accompanying me to the gym in the morning to fuel my love of learning during my bike sessions. Honestly there is so much to love about this book ❤️ It’s jam-packed with relatable stories and practical insights.

One of my personal mantras is ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way’ and he mentions that on page 14. So essentially he had me at ‘hello’.

He says, “It's often said that where there's a will, there's a way. What we overlook is that when people can’t see a path, they stop dreaming of the destination. To ignite their will, we need to show them the way. That’s what scaffolding can do.”

One of the concepts he talks about in this book is ‘scaffolding’ as a way of supporting someone until such time that they are able to support themselves.

It really struck a chord with me. It’s how I coach.

I see it as my job to remind people who they are and shine a light on the infinite pathways available to them, so that they powerfully choose the right path for them. Essentially every choice is a 'Sliding Doors' moment (I absolutely love that movie!).

What took me on this path?

Back in 2005 I determined that my overarching purpose was to help people and organisations realise their potential. That realisation surfaced during the third redundancy of my career to date. I have found that transitions such as this in life are powerful and often incredibly illuminating. It's why I became a change and transitional specialist.

As a result of that 'moment in time', I finally took the bull by the horns and started my first consulting business and it set me on a trajectory of entrepreneurial experiences and personal growth that has shaped my career and enabled me to be my full self expression in the workplace ever since.

That said, it’s an evolutionary process full of ups and down’s...AND it’s always an adventure!

In summary though my point is - if there is something you want to do in your career but you’re not sure how to get there, then feel free to reach out to me.

I’d be happy to help you (if I can), or refer you to someone else in my network.

Why does this matter to me?

I often imagine what life would be like if everyone was present to their personal potential and expressing it each day at work and in their personal lives. When I meet people who are playing big games in life and who are ‘up to stuff’ I know I’m in great company. #lituphumans I call them and they rock!

If you haven’t read 'Hidden Potential' yet - I highly recommend it! It will provide you with lots of fuel to help you realise your potential and support the potential of people around you. What could be better?

I look forward to hearing about what you are reading and the hidden gems you are taking from it.

Cheers Tee-Jay xox