Growing Teams Through Growing Mindsets: The Power of SMART Goals

When thinking about growing a team, it’s tempting to focus on individual skill sets. But real growth happens where it truly counts: in the mindset. A team’s mindset is the engine that powers everything—if it’s running smoothly, progress is effortless. But if it's out of tune, even the best ideas can stall.

A great mindset isn't some abstract thing can be put on a motivational poster. It’s the invisible force behind every successful project, every breakthrough moment, and every “aha” idea. It’s how the team shows up every day, how they tackle problems, and how they adapt to the unexpected. And here’s the thing: building the right mindset isn’t something that happens overnight. It requires a framework—a roadmap for success.

This is where SMART goals come in.

Mindset: The Secret Sauce for Team Growth

Think of it like this: a team with a growth mindset is like a band of musicians who all want to get better at their craft. They’re not just playing the same songs over and over; they’re learning new techniques, pushing themselves, and willing to experiment. The opposite is a fixed mindset, where team members feel stuck or avoid taking risks.

In a team with a growth mindset:

• Collaboration is second nature. Team members genuinely believe that sharing ideas and helping each other makes everyone stronger.
• Ownership is taken. Instead of waiting for instructions, everyone takes responsibility for their tasks and goes above and beyond.
• Learning never stops. A growth mindset means looking at failures as stepping stones rather than dead ends. They see mistakes as opportunities to level up.

And here’s where SMART goals step in. They’re the roadmap that turns the team’s growth mindset into action.

SMART Goals: Achieving More

They’re simple, but powerful—and they help while creating clarity in the process of growth. Let’s take a look at each letter of SMART, and I’ll share a real-world example to show how it all ties together:

• S = Specific A goal without focus is like a GPS with no destination. A clear goal is essential to ensure everyone knows where they’re headed. Example: "Increase team collaboration by scheduling bi-weekly brainstorming sessions," rather than a vague goal like "Improve teamwork."
• M = Measurable If progress can’t be measured, how can success be tracked? Measuring helps teams stay motivated and know when they’ve achieved their target. Example: "Achieve a 15% faster project completion rate by the end of the quarter." A concrete benchmark helps the team stay on track.
• A = Achievable Setting ambitious goals is valuable, but they must be realistic. A goal should challenge the team but remain attainable with available resources. Example: "Reduce internal meeting times by 20% in the next two months," which is realistic with some focused effort.
• R = Relevant Goals should align with the larger vision of the team or organization. If the goal doesn't connect to the big picture, confusion and frustration can set in. Example: "Develop a new client onboarding system to improve customer satisfaction, tying directly into customer retention goals."
• T = Time-bound Every goal needs a deadline to create urgency and momentum. A clear timeframe helps teams stay focused and motivated. Example: "Complete the first phase of the new product launch by the end of next month." Clear time markers are essential for staying on track.

How Mindsets Power SMART Goals

Without a positive mindset, the goals might just feel like a to-do list. But when the team has the right mindset, goals become more than just tasks—they become milestones on the path to growth.

For example, imagine the team is working on a product redesign. They hit a roadblock—some features don’t work as planned. A team with a growth mindset will see that roadblock as an opportunity to pivot and find a better solution. They won’t get bogged down or frustrated; instead, they’ll be like, “Okay, let’s rethink this and move forward.”

In contrast, a fixed mindset team might feel defeated, think that the project is doomed, and possibly even disengage. This is why the mindset comes first. A team’s mindset is what gets them back on their feet when things don’t go as planned.

Google’s 20% Time

One of the most well-known examples of this mindset in action is Google's '20% Time' policy. The idea is simple: Google encourages employees to spend 20% of their work time on passion projects, things that don’t necessarily fit into their regular job description. But the impact? Huge. It fosters creativity, nurtures a growth mindset, and pushes the limits of what’s possible.

From this initiative, Gmail, Google News, and even AdSense were born—projects that came from employees thinking outside the box. These weren’t traditional goals with timelines and deadlines at the start, but they were driven by a culture of growth, innovation, and a mindset of continuous improvement.

This shows how powerful a growth mindset can be when it's coupled with the right environment to experiment and explore.

Practical Tips for Growing Teams with SMART Goals

Here are a few practical tips for aligning SMART goals with a growth mindset within the team:

• Communicate the Big Picture: Ensure team members understand how their individual goals contribute to the larger mission of the organization. This alignment fosters ownership and commitment.
• Encourage Experimentation: If the team isn’t occasionally failing, they may not be pushing boundaries. Encourage calculated risks and treat setbacks as learning opportunities. Google’s 20% Time is a great example of this mindset in action.
• Involve the Team in Goal-Setting: Rather than imposing goals, involve the team in the process. This collaborative approach ensures greater alignment and personal buy-in.
• Track and Adjust: Regularly monitor progress. If a goal isn’t working, don’t hesitate to adjust. Flexibility is key to maintaining momentum.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge small achievements along the way to keep morale high and reinforce the team’s growth mindset.

Building Teams for the Long Haul

Building a high-performing team isn’t just about setting ambitious goals—it’s about creating an environment where everyone is aligned and focused on growth. By setting SMART goals and fostering a growth mindset that encourages ownership and innovation, teams are positioned for success—not just for today, but for the challenges ahead.

A well-known fact: If the roots are strong, the rest will flourish.