The Hidden Thief Stealing From Your Sale's Team: A Fixed Mindset

Every month, every quarter, every year, companies are diving into their financials, making sure the ship is running properly. They’re checking revenue, expenses, profit margins —keeping everything in check to thrive. But being creepy in the background? A thief no one seems to notice. No, it’s not stealing cash straight out of your accounts, but it IS draining your team’s potential, flushing your sales numbers down the toilet, and quietly racking up hidden costs.

Well, who the hell is it so I can call the authorities? ??

Not a who... A what..

A fixed mindset.

Now you might be thinking... Oh brother… What’s this guy blabbering about?

Hear me out…

A fixed mindset isn’t always harmless; it can be a sneaky little villain. It’s rooted in the belief that abilities and intelligence are static — can't change. People operating from a fixed mindset (and let’s be honest, we ALL are there at some point) are more likely to avoid challenges, fear failure, reject feedback, and stick to the easy route to stay “successful.” You probably know plenty of people like that. It’s not exactly uncommon.

And guess what? They're on your sales team too!

Think about it. Every time a sales rep avoids a tough call out of fear of rejection, that’s the fixed mindset whispering, “Don’t risk it.” Every time your team resists a new sales approach because the old one feels comfortable? Yep, fixed mindset again. And all the missed opportunities, lost deals, and high turnover that come with it? That thief is eating healthily off of your team. BBQ chicken as Shaq would say.

These costs rack up fast. It’s a way bigger expense than most leaders want to admit. And trust me, I know — I’ve been there. Thinking about all the missed opportunities that came from operating with a fixed mindset? It physically hurts. ??

But here’s the beautiful part: our mindsets can always change.

No matter your age or experiences, your brain has the ability to grow and adapt. Which means you can help your team develop a growth mindset and stop the hidden costs from piling up AGAIN this year.

As a leader, shifting your team’s culture to one of growth is your responsibility. And sure, it might seem challenging. But here’s the thing about growth: it’s supposed to be challenging. Welcome. ??

Here’s How to Start Building a Growth-Oriented Team

1. Model the Behavior You Want to See Leaders set the tone. Ask for feedback. Embrace the challenges of your role. Share your mistakes — and what you learned from them.
2. Redefine Failure Stop treating failure as purely outcome-based. Didn’t hit quota? Sure, it’s not ideal, but dig deeper. What can you learn? What’s the next step?
3. Celebrate Effort and Progress Don’t just pop the bottles for closed deals. Celebrate resilience. Did someone navigate a tough call and keep dialing? Shout it out. Did they take feedback and apply it? Acknowledge it. Effort breeds improvement, and improvement drives results.

Imagine a team that shows up every day ready to grow. A team that embraces challenges, helps each other get better, and turns failures into lessons. That’s a team with no limits. And it starts with you, the leader.

So, embrace the challenge. Lead with intention.

And remember: With great power comes great responsibility. ??

Need help? Let’s talk. DM me or email me at [email protected].

Don't need help? Congratulations! ?? ??

With Love,

James