Adam Grant’s #1 Phrase to Unlock Potential | Big Think

Originally shared in our January 2026 Top of Mind Newsletter.

How can we spark opportunities for action in our teams?

As we’ve discussed, Growth & Development Opportunities are a cornerstone of job quality, yet many organizational mentorship efforts fall flat. In this video, organizational psychologist Adam Grant shares a simple, research-backed tool to bridge this gap.

He introduces a “19-word phrase” that drastically increases a person’s openness to constructive feedback. By shifting the conversation from “judging” to “coaching,” leaders (and educators) can foster the psychological safety required for an entrepreneurial mindset to take root. This is a must-watch for any leader looking to activate the “potential” dimension of a job’s quality.

Think About The Spark