The Power of "Yet": Transforming Learning and Leadership with Growth Mindset

As an educator and someone deeply invested in fostering growth and development in others, I have often reflected on the profound lesson I learnt from a teacher during my studies at a university in Egypt—a lesson that continues to shape my approach to teaching and leadership. This lesson revolved around the power of the word "yet."

At my university, students were required to pass specific units to graduate. If they didn’t meet the criteria, instead of receiving a failing grade, they were given the grade "Not Yet." At first, this seemed puzzling. How could failing be reframed as anything other than a failure? But as I delved deeper into the concept, I began to see its transformative power. "Not yet" wasn’t just a word—it was a mindset. It signified that learning was a continuous journey, and failure was not the end but rather a step on the way to success.

This mindset profoundly influenced my teaching philosophy as I moved forward in my career. While working as a teaching assistant at the University of Dundee, I had the opportunity to lead and support international students, many of whom were grappling with academic challenges. In my interactions with these students, I witnessed the incredible potential that comes from cultivating a growth mindset—a concept rooted in the belief that intelligence and abilities are not fixed but can be developed through dedication and hard work.

One of my core beliefs as an educator is that learning is not about achieving a specific grade or outcome but about embracing the process of growth. I began to adapt my teaching style to focus on the journey rather than just the destination. I encouraged my students to view challenges as opportunities to learn rather than obstacles to avoid. This approach, informed by the growth mindset and the idea of "yet," helped students shift from a fixed mindset to one that embraced the possibility of improvement through effort.

Reflecting on my experiences with my teacher in Egypt, I began to see how this concept of "Not Yet" aligned with what I later discovered as the principles of transformational leadership and spiritual intelligence. Transformational leadership emphasises the importance of inspiring and motivating others to achieve their full potential, not by telling them what to do but by empowering them to think critically and take ownership of their growth. It’s about creating an environment where individuals feel supported in their journey of development, where they understand that they can grow and transform through effort, persistence, and learning from failure.

Spiritual intelligence, on the other hand, is about finding meaning and purpose in one’s actions and connecting to something greater than oneself. In my teaching, I began to see the connection between spiritual intelligence and the power of "yet." Teaching my students to approach challenges with a sense of purpose and to see setbacks as part of a larger learning process was not just about improving academic performance—it was about instilling a deeper sense of meaning in their lives and helping them find their own path towards success.

I can’t help but think of the study I once read about the impact of the "growth mindset" on children. In this research, students who believed that their abilities could be developed through hard work and perseverance showed remarkable improvements in their performance, while those with a fixed mindset often struggled when faced with setbacks. This has profound implications not just for education but for leadership in general. Whether in the classroom or in the workplace, we must ask ourselves: Are we raising individuals to embrace the journey of growth, or are we focusing too heavily on immediate results?

One of the most rewarding experiences during my time at the University of Dundee was witnessing the transformation in my students’ mindset. Many came to me feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of studying in a new country, often questioning their abilities. But as we worked together, I encouraged them to see their struggles as opportunities to learn and grow, and to embrace the power of "yet." The results were remarkable. Students who had initially struggled with the coursework began to see themselves in a new light. They realised that their abilities were not fixed; they could overcome challenges with effort, resilience, and a willingness to learn.

This transformation wasn’t just academic. It was personal. As I guided my students through the learning process, I helped them see that their struggles were not a reflection of their abilities but an essential part of their growth. They were no longer trapped by the "tyranny of now"—the idea that they had to be perfect or successful right away. Instead, they began to understand that they were on a learning curve, always progressing, always evolving.

The power of "yet" also reminds me of the importance of praise and how it can shape my mindset. In my research and work with students, I’ve found that praising effort, perseverance, and strategy—not just intelligence—helps students embrace challenges. It encourages them to take risks and persist even when they don’t immediately succeed. In contrast, praising innate talent can make students vulnerable, as they may feel their worth is tied to their inherent abilities rather than their effort and growth.

Ultimately, the lesson I learnt from my teacher and applied in my teaching career at the University of Dundee is simple yet powerful: Growth is a journey, not a destination. By adopting the mindset of "Not Yet," we can create an environment where both students and leaders can thrive. We can cultivate resilience, perseverance, and a love for learning, empowering individuals to push beyond their limits and transform not just their academic outcomes but their entire approach to life.

The power of "yet" lies not only in its ability to transform the way we learn but in its potential to transform the way we lead, inspire, and empower others. Let us embrace this mindset and lead with the belief that all of us, regardless of our background or current abilities, are capable of growth and transformation.

As I reflect on my journey as a teacher and leader, I am reminded of the incredible potential that exists within each person. By nurturing a growth mindset and fostering environments that embrace the power of "yet," we can help others unlock their true potential and lead them to a future filled with endless possibilities.