🌟 Word of the Day — 30 Ṣafar 1447 AH, August 24, 2025 ‘Potential’ 🌟

Coach Ward

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

3–4 min read

Welcome back to our Business English Word of the Day series. Today’s word is one that often gets thrown around in boardrooms, classrooms, and motivational speeches alike: potential. It’s the invisible fuel inside every individual, team, and organization, the capacity to become something greater than what currently exists. The catch? Potential is nothing until it’s developed, directed, and executed.

📖 What Does “Potential” Mean?

Potential refers to latent qualities or abilities that may be developed and lead to future success, growth, or achievement. It describes what could be, not necessarily what is.

• In business: “This idea has huge potential for market disruption.”

• In personal growth: “She has the potential to become an exceptional leader.”

• In science: “Potential energy is stored energy waiting to be released.”

🧬 Word Origin: Where Does “Potential” Come From?

The word derives from the Latin potentia, meaning “power, might, force,” rooted in potens (able, capable). Historically, it described the capacity to act or influence, evolving into today’s usage: untapped ability or possibility.

🧠 Why Potential Matters in Business

In business, recognizing potential is about more than optimism, it’s about foresight. Companies that identify potential markets, employees, or innovations early gain a competitive edge.

• Talent Development: Leaders spot potential in people and nurture it into performance.

• Strategic Growth: Businesses expand by identifying markets with potential before competitors do.

• Innovation: The most successful products often started as “potential ideas” no one else saw value in.

🙋 Who Uses “Potential” (and Why)?

• Entrepreneurs — to pitch new opportunities.

• Investors — to identify ventures worth funding.

• Managers — to groom future leaders.

• Everyday professionals — to assess career or skill growth.

❤️ The Coach Ward Reflection

When I think of potential, I think of the countless students and clients I’ve worked with through Coach Ward Business Solutions. Every single one walked in with potential, sometimes hidden under doubt, poor vocabulary, or lack of confidence. But potential is not self-activating. It’s like an unlit lamp: the power is there, but it doesn’t shine until someone strikes the match. My role, and the mission of this company, is to help people find that match.

📌 Examples in Action

1. “The startup has potential to disrupt the financial technology industry.”

2. “She shows great potential as a negotiator.”

3. “Untapped potential in emerging markets could drive the next wave of growth.”

🚀 Your Turn

Reflect: Where in your own life or work are you sitting on untapped potential?

What step, small or large, could turn it from “possible” to “real”?

👉 Let’s keep growing, one word at a time!