Potential
I think that everyone has potential. The job of any leader is to see that potential in their subordinates and to develop it into something more than just potential. That potential needs to metamorphosise into its physical manifestation.
I know my obvious potentials. I’m good with taking logical steps - solving maths problems, writing software, and even writing papers, since a good paper is a well-reasoned argument to support whatever research you’re doing. Languages can also be grouped here because languages very logical, if you consider them in terms of grammar and syntax. There are very precise rules that determine what makes sense and what doesn’t. Hence, I’m very interested in learning languges, learning about languages, and linguistics in general.
The point I’m trying to make, however, is not what potentials I have. I know what I can potentially achieve and do. The problem is that potentials are useless if they are not realised.
I can plan an excellent paper in my head. I can see it come together into a well-reasoned, neatly set out, almost artistic argument for my point. But I can’t turn that paper into reality, into a physical piece of work. I have the potential, but not the strength of will to do the work.
I don’t quit on things I say I will do. I’m going to finish my masters no matter how hard it might get. And interestingly enough, with this experience, I now understand better what a leader is supposed to do. So, as I step up to lead the charge, my underlings better be ready to follow me and transform their own dormant caterpillars of potential into a flight of butterflies of success.
