Teams that learn

As supervisors and leaders, we inherit teams and must achieve results with them. The common belief is that skills are innate and dependent on talent. However, research suggests that skills can be learned by anyone and are driven more by inner motivation than by natural ability. Opportunity and motivation play the most crucial roles in learning.

Extensive studies on school outcomes have shown that kindergarten students who excel in behavioral attributes—such as proactiveness, prosocial behavior, discipline, and determination—go on to earn more than their peers. These qualities have proven to be more influential than cognitive skills in long-term success.

Adam Grant, a professor in Wharton, describes character as not just a set of principles but a “learned capacity to live by your principles.” Over time, character surpasses cognitive ability as a predictor of sustained success.

A powerful approach to developing talent is scaffolding, a concept in psychology that involves providing a structured framework of support while allowing individuals to discover solutions on their own. The responsibility for learning remains with the individual, but they operate within a system that offers guidance and reinforcement.

Applying this approach , the emphasis on inner motivation, character and scaffolding; within teams fosters sustained growth, enabling members to build their own capabilities while knowing they have the necessary support to succeed.

( source: Hidden Potential by Adam Grant)