A “Growth Mindset” believes in the power of possibility—that it’s POSSIBLE to CHANGE and grow for the BETTER.
The true challenge to overcoming unexpected challenges is what we believe about ourselves and those challenges.
Having a GROWTH MINDSET is a game-changer for you as a leader… and even more so when you help your team embody a growth mindset too.
This is why it matters…
Unlocked Potential—embracing a growth mindset means believing that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Ability is not inherent (you either have it or you don’t)…instead, it can be obtained! This means the possibilities are LIMITLESS.
Overcoming Challenges—challenges aren’t roadblocks. Rather, they’re opportunities to LEARN and ADAPT. A growth mindset equips you to tackle the obstacles with resilience.
Fosters Innovation—leaders with a growth mindset encourage experimentation and FRESH thinking. The doors to innovation fling wide open, because failure isn’t final. Forward movement is the goal.
So, how do you empower your team to EMBRACE a GROWTH MINDSET??
Team Culture—build and communicate values and expectations that growth is an equal part of the goal, and that they have permission to push the boundaries to find new and better ways of doing things.
Instill Confidence—when you communicate those new expectations, be sure to back them up by making your team feel safe to take risks. Make sure they don’t feel reprimanded for “rocking the boat.” Be sure to have their backs, and they will be confident innovators who solve problems quickly!
Lifelong Learning—a growth mindset demands CONTINUAL growth. So, make it a priority for your team to keep learning. Invest in their learning. Encourage curiosity. Help them ask better questions rather than expecting them to have an answer.
KEY TAKEAWAY
While we need to reach our KPIs this quarter, we won’t be able to do it again next quarter or a year from now if we don’t stretch our capacity to think differently, encourage innovation and grow our team. You have to build it intentionally. And it starts with building a GROWTH MINDSET in yourself and in your team!
