Americans assume that each person has untapped capabilities—potential—that can and should be developed. People are understood as works in progress with room to grow.
This means development is motivating in itself, not just as a means to other ends. When working with Americans, emphasize opportunities for growth and learning. Acknowledge that people can improve, acquire new skills, and become more capable. Americans respond to investments in their development—training, education, mentoring—because these signal that their potential is recognized and valued.
Avoid treating people as having fixed capabilities that cannot change. The assumption that growth is possible generates effort toward that growth. Frame challenges as developmental opportunities and create pathways for people to build new capabilities. Americans are motivated when they see themselves as becoming more than they currently are. United States Motivation
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