The overlooked secret to unlocking Human Potential in the AI Age

In an era where AI can craft the perfect email, analyse vast amounts of data in seconds, and even suggest what we should eat for dinner (based on our search history and suspiciously accurate targeted ads), what truly sets humans apart?

According to Adam Grant’s Hidden Potential, the answer isn’t raw intelligence or technical expertise, it’s character. And not the kind of character that’s fixed and immutable but one that can be actively built through practice.

What are the key character skills that unlock potential in this new landscape?

• Intentional discomfort (seeking out challenges instead of avoiding them)
• Absorbing information & adapting (being open to new ideas and flexible in execution)
• Embracing imperfection (letting go of perfectionism in favour of progress)

Surprisingly, these aren’t the “fancy” skills that land you a viral LinkedIn post or get a standing ovation in a job interview. No one’s throwing you a parade for embracing discomfort. Yet, in a world where AI is automating the predictable, these HUMAN skills are becoming our greatest advantage.

Perfectionism vs. Progress: Why Embracing Imperfection Wins

Ever worked with a leader so fixated on being perfect that they refused to make decisions until they had all the information, all the supporting evidence, and a 57-slide deck to back it up? Well, that moment rarely arrives….

The hard truth? There is no such thing as having all the answers. Additionally, what’s the real return on sweating that last 20%? Often, the extra effort delivers diminishing returns, wasting time, slowing teams down, and killing momentum. Meanwhile, leaders who embrace imperfection make faster decisions with sufficient information, build trust with their teams, and (ironically) get better results.

Character Skills: The Real Competitive Edge

The best part about character skills? They’re not static. You don’t have to be born with them, and you certainly don’t need a certification. They’re built through repetition, much like flexing a muscle.

Every time you step into discomfort, adapt to a curveball, or laugh off a mistake instead of spiralling into self-doubt, you’re strengthening these skills.

Leadership in the AI Age: What Will You Build?

When I reflect on the great leaders I’ve worked with, or my own leadership journey, it’s clear that these “soft” skills ARE the hardest to master but the most valuable. AI will continue to evolve, but it won’t replace human resilience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.

So, in a world hyper-focused on hard skills, how can you create space for yourself and your team to grow these overlooked character goldmines?

Which character skill are you working on right now?