While I was sitting at breakfast this morning, I noticed the book title that my 7 yr old was reading, TreeTops Stage 13 “The Personality Potion” (If you know the scholastic series, you will know that I am boasting because Stage 13 is for 9 to 10 year old.) It was evident to me that here was a blog post if I ever saw one.  So after every one had left for school and work, I sat down to read this delightful book by Alan MacDonald.

The story is about a young boy Danny who is very introverted.  He is afraid of the school bully and afraid to try out for the school play. His uncle gives hims a magic potion.

‘Personality Potion?’ Danny’s eyes widened. ‘What’s that?’
‘It brings out the hidden talents that no one know are inside you.”

Turns out that after taking the potion, Danny is able to stand up to the bully.  Even though he drops the bottle with the potion in it, Danny successfully auditions for the school play.  While there are a number of lessons in the short book, the obvious one is about believing in oneself.  I could delve into the concept of the Pygmalion Effect or the power of affirmations, but I won’t.  The suggestions in the book for a parent to discuss with his or her child are far more potent.

After reading

• Read page 54 again together.  Ask your child if they think the story could happen in real life and if someone could change their personality by believing in him or herself.
• Talk together about any hidden talents your child things they might have and how they can use them.

As  coach, we are always asking our clients about limiting beliefs.  As a leader, we are always looking to uncover the talents and potential of those who work with and for us.

Questions: Do you think people can change?  Really?  If yes, how do you support this shift?

Awareness and knowledge are the first steps in a person’s ability to make choices of any kind.  Inpartial assessments can be a good place to start.  However, wanting to change and know how to go about your development may require a different skill set.  Just as parent is there to support and guide children, adults may need a mentor or coach to facilitate the process.

If you are interested in using assessments to uncover your own hidden talents or to use them with your clients / team, please contact me.  I offer a variety of instruments through AssessYourself or can recommend one to you.  More information can be found at: Assessments Here

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