Within each of us, two distinct mindsets coexist the Growth Mindset and the Fixed Mindset.
Carol Dweck, renowned author of “Mindset: The Psychology of Success,” emphasizes that we harbor both mindsets. While we may lean more toward one, either can appear. When faced with fear, doubt, uncertainty, challenges, or obstacles, one of those mindsets takes over.
As a Leader, understanding these mindsets empowers you to recognize their impact as you navigate roadblocks, solve problems, make decisions, face setbacks, and embrace personal growth.
👉Great Desire to Learn (Growth Mindset)
As a leader, you actively seek opportunities to learn and grow. You view learning as an ongoing journey, not a static endpoint.
With a fixed mindset, you might resist learning new skills or exploring unfamiliar areas. You seek validation by appearing intelligent. You fear exposure as appearing less capable, so you limit your development.
👉Embraces Challenges (Growth Mindset)
Challenges are growth opportunities. You willingly step into the arena, ready to experiment, fail, and learn. Challenges become catalysts for innovation.
In a fixed mindset, challenges appear daunting. You might avoid them, fearing failure or discomfort. As a result, growth stagnates, and you miss chances to innovate.
👉Perseveres in the Face of Setbacks (Growth Mindset)
When setbacks occur, you don’t retreat. Instead, you view them as stepping stones toward your desired outcomes. Resilience and determination keep you moving forward.
A fixed mindset leads to defeatism. Setbacks become roadblocks, and you may give up prematurely. Progress stalls and opportunities slip away.
👉Effort Paves the Way to Mastery (Growth Mindset)
Effort is your ally. You recognize that consistent, purposeful effort, propels you toward expertise. Mastery requires dedication and a willingness to work hard.
In a fixed mindset, the effort feels burdensome. You might believe that talent alone determines success. You may avoid the necessary work to achieve mastery because it is pointless.
👉Learns from Feedback (Growth Mindset)
Feedback—whether positive or critical—is a gift. You extract wisdom from comments, adjust your approach, and continuously improve. Feedback fuels growth.
A fixed mindset resists feedback. You may take criticism personally or defensively. Without learning from feedback, development stalls, and blind spots persist.
👉Draws Inspiration from Others’ Success (Growth Mindset)
Others’ achievements inspire you. Rather than feeling threatened, you learn from their journeys. Their success becomes a motivator for your growth.
In a fixed mindset, others’ success intimidates you. Envy or jealousy may arise, hindering collaboration and preventing you from leveraging collective wisdom.
Remember, your mindset influences not only your growth but also the culture and effectiveness of your team. Cultivating a growth mindset fosters resilience, innovation, and transformation.
Written By: Pam Krengel
Photo Courtesy of Skye Studios -Unsplash