You hire someone based on their perceived potential, only later you get a solid proof of their capabilities or promise.
When you pursue a girl, you want to date her based on perceived
potential of her
in your life. Only later you find out who she really is and if it's a good fit or not.
Before you move to a new location (city, area, country), the city has certain perceived potential in your mind. Only after living there for a while, you validate your hopes or
assumptions.