An introduction to the growth mindset

What is a mindset? Is it fixed or growth? Could it be situational and maybe even a hybrid with a little of both??

You need to know more about this because it not only shapes your own behaviors but also those of whom you interact with. As you increase your understanding on this, you can navigate better for the benefit of all.

First, some research that suggests that: “a mindset is defined as a mental frame or lens that selectively organizes and encodes information, thereby orienting an individual toward a unique way of understanding an experience and guiding one toward corresponding actions and responses” (Adapted from Carol Dweck by Salovey and Achor)

Thus, we can argue that our mindset is the sum of our thoughts and beliefs and this not only determines how we make sense of ourself, our immediate environment, and the world, but also shapes our behaviors in this context. That’s a key note in a team, leadership and organizational context.

Two different mindsets according to Dweck:

# A fixed mindset where intelligence is static which leads to a desire to look smart and thus behaviors as shown in the image

# A growth mindset where intelligence can be developed which leads to a desire to learn and thus behaviors as shown in the image

In short, the growth mindset is characterized by the belief that skills can be improved with persistent effort.?It builds on these five key elements and how you approach them.

# - Effort - a path to mastery

# - Obstacles - persist in the face of setbacks

# - Success of others - means lessons and inspiration

# - Challenges - embracing them

# - Criticism - learn from it

“The essence of the growth mindset in an organizational context is to instill a mindset that is wired towards always trying to get better rather than believing - and proving - that you are the best.” Lindegaard

How do you deal with this in your organization? What does this mean for your team? How does the growth mindset approach - and related methodologies and frameworks - impact your career?

There are so many questions and I will answer and interact with you on this in my newsletter here on LinkedIn. Thanks for reading the first one! Let me know if you have any questions or issues that I should look into. Take care, Stefan