Unlocking Potential: How to See and Grow the Best in Your People

One of the most profound gifts a leader can offer is belief.

When we believe in someone’s potential—before they fully see it in themselves, it becomes a powerful catalyst for growth. The very act of being seen, believed in, and invited to grow often opens doors that skill alone cannot.

Leadership isn’t just about getting results—it’s about growing people.

It means learning to look beyond today’s performance and see the seed of possibility within someone. It means shifting from a “fix-it” mindset to a “grow-it” mindset. And it means remembering that everyone on your team has untapped potential just waiting to be recognized, stretched, and supported.

Here’s what it looks like to unlock potential as a leader:

🔍 1. See What Others Might Miss

Potential doesn’t always arrive in a polished package. Sometimes it shows up as quiet consistency, raw energy, curiosity, or persistence.

Great leaders don’t just notice what’s loud—they pay attention to what’s latent.

Ask yourself: Who on your team might be ready for more, even if they haven’t asked for it?

💬 2. Name What You See

There’s something incredibly affirming about hearing, “I see leadership in you,” or “You have a natural gift for connecting people.”

Be specific. Call out strengths and qualities.

When you articulate someone’s potential, it helps them own it.

🌱 3. Create Stretch Opportunities

Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones.

Help people stretch—by inviting them to lead a meeting, tackle a challenge, mentor someone else, or pilot a new idea.

Then support them as they grow into it. Don't just delegate—develop.

🔄 4. Coach, Don’t Just Correct

Instead of jumping in with answers or critiques, ask questions that invite ownership:

• “What approach are you thinking of?”

• “Where do you feel stuck?”

• “What would success look like here?”

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Coaching builds confidence. Correcting builds dependence.

🌟 5. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Perfection

People are born with incredible potential—but that’s just the beginning. With encouragement, opportunity, and effort, that potential can be stretched, strengthened, and expanded. As a leader, you can be the mirror that reflects what’s already there and the coach who helps develop even more. Focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrate small wins, consistent effort, and every courageous step forward. When people feel safe to learn, try, and grow, they’re more likely to rise into their full potential—and then some.

Reflection Prompt

Take a moment to think about your team—or even your peers.

Who is one person whose potential you’ve noticed, but haven’t yet called out?

What could you say or do this week to help them grow into more of who they can become?

Remember:

You don’t have to be a talent scout or a professional coach to grow people. You just have to be a leader who chooses to see—and then speaks life into what you see.

Because when you consistently call people up instead of just calling them out, you create a culture where potential doesn’t just exist—it thrives.