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Do you know people who always seem to approach challenges like an adventure, driven by curiosity and a hunger for learning? That’s the essence of a growth mindset. So, what is a growth mindset, and why does it matter? A growth mindset shapes how we view obstacles and unlocks strengths—and it’s a shift anyone can make whether you’re striving for personal growth or aiming to empower employees.
Growth mindset vs. fixed mindset
What is the difference between a growth mindset and fixed mindset? Understanding the difference can help you recognize how your beliefs shape your approach to challenges and growth.
What is a growth mindset?
A growth mindset is a concept that can be attributed to the work of motivation researcher and psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck. It’s the perspective that abilities, intelligence, and skills can improve through effort, learning, and perseverance.
People with a growth mindset view challenges as opportunities to grow and see failures as stepping stones to success. They’re empowered by the idea that they can learn from mistakes and develop talents or skills over time. For example, rather than thinking, I’m just not good at math, people with a growth mindset might think, I’m not great at math yet, but I can improve with effort and practice.
In the workplace, a growth mindset might look like a team member who sees constructive feedback as a chance to refine their skills or a manager who encourages experimentation, even if it leads to occasional missteps.
What is a fixed mindset?
A fixed mindset is the belief that skills or abilities are set in stone—you either have them, or you don’t. People with a fixed mindset often avoid challenges because they worry that failing will expose their limits. For example, in the workplace, someone with a fixed mindset might believe I’m just not good at public speaking, and avoid volunteering for presentations or leading meetings. Instead of seeing public speaking as a skill they can develop through practice and feedback, they stick to behind-the-scenes tasks.
What does a fixed mindset mean in our personal lives? It might show up as self-doubt causing us to avoid tough conversations in relationships. This makes it harder to grow or connect with others. A growth mindset, on the other hand, encourages self-reflection and helps us see mistakes as opportunities to learn and improve, which can lead to stronger, closer relationships.
What is a growth mindset in the workplace?
A fixed mindset might make us anxious about taking risks or asking for feedback, keeping us stuck in our comfort zone. We might hesitate to take on new projects, fearing we’ll fail or be criticized. We may also spend a good deal of time and effort trying to prove ourselves correct about our inherent talents rather than seizing opportunities to learn and grow from their failures. Managers with a fixed mindset might avoid giving feedback or shy away from difficult conversations, fearing conflict or resistance.
With a growth mindset though, we approach challenges with curiosity, see setbacks as chances to learn, and tap into our creativity. This perspective not only helps us grow professionally and achieve more but also makes work more fulfilling and rewarding.
At an organizational level, a culture that encourages a growth mindset can transform the workplace. When employers promote learning and recognize effort and growth, and the role of failure in success, they create an environment where employees feel safe to experiment, innovate, and thrive. This perspective doesn’t just boost individual growth—it drives the organization forward.
10 characteristics of a growth mindset
People with a growth mindset have traits that reflect their belief in the power of effort, adaptability, and resilience. A person with a growth mindset might:
- View obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow rather than threats to avoid.
- Welcome constructive criticism as a way to improve, rather than as a personal dig.
- Demonstrate grit and determination, even when progress is slow or success isn’t immediate.
- Adopt the belief that limitations are temporary—the idea of “I can’t do this yet.”
- Bounce back from setbacks, exploring what went wrong and applying lessons to future efforts.
- See hard work and practice as pathways to improvement.
- Remain open to different perspectives, willing to try new approaches, and eager to experiment with alternative solutions.
- Actively seek challenges rather than shy away from them.
- Embrace trial and error, knowing it’s a valuable part of personal and professional development.
- Recognize that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
How to develop a growth mindset for yourself
A growth mindset takes practice, but it can transform the way you approach setbacks. Here are some ways you can shift your perspective and develop a belief in your ability to grow and improve over time:
#1 Recognize fixed mindsets
Beliefs that abilities are innate and unchangeable can bring up feelings of shame or inadequacy. For example, if you were frequently praised as “the athletic one” in your family, you might have internalized the idea that academics weren’t your strength. As an adult, this could lead you to avoid pursuing knowledge in areas you find challenging. To counter this, approach these thoughts with compassion, understanding that fixed mindsets often stem from early messaging rather than reality.
Growth mindset example: Instead of thinking, I’m just not good at this, try reframing the thought to, I’m not good at this yet. Where can I get the training I’ll need to get better at this? What can I learn from this experience?
#2 Practice self-compassion
Softening your self-talk is crucial to chipping away at a fixed mindset. It’s important to recognize that past praise or criticism doesn’t dictate your ability to grow. For example, viewing a mistake as an opportunity to learn rather than a personal failure allows you to approach challenges with curiosity rather than fear.
Growth mindset example: Ask yourself, If I saw this failure as a step toward growth, what might I take away from it?
#3 Engage with novelty
The brain thrives on novelty and learning, making it naturally inclined toward growth. Try tolerating the discomfort of challenges, knowing that this rewires your brain and opens the door to new possibilities.
Growth mindset example: If you’re nervous about tackling a new project, acknowledge and allow the feeling of nervousness, then remind yourself that even small steps outside your comfort zone can lead to growth.
#4 Cultivate self-reflection
Take time to reflect on both successes and challenges to identify areas of growth. Journaling or discussing these reflections with a trusted friend or mentor can deepen your understanding of what worked, what didn’t, and how you can adapt moving forward.
Growth mindset example: If you’re having a difficult conversation, take a moment to reflect on why, acknowledge the fear or discomfort, and remind yourself that growth often comes from facing challenges. You’ll only get better at these in the future
#5 Seek diverse perspectives
Broaden your understanding by actively seeking out different viewpoints. Whether through reading, conversations, or joining new communities, engaging with varied perspectives can help challenge fixed beliefs.
Growth mindset example: Join a book club or discussion group focused on a subject you’re unfamiliar with. Reflect on how the exchange of ideas shapes your thinking and encourages adaptability and creativity.
How to develop a growth mindset in the workplace
Developing a growth mindset within your organization starts with creating an environment where learning, resilience, and progress are celebrated over perfection. By modeling and encouraging a growth-oriented approach, you can inspire your team to embrace challenges and learn from mistakes.
#1 Encourage growth if you’re a leader
In the workplace, leaders have a unique opportunity to foster a growth mindset. One of the most powerful things a leader can do is give their team “permission to fail.” This includes reframing setbacks by focusing on progress and what we’ve learned from those setbacks—for example, saying, “You’ve made great strides toward this goal, and we can figure out together how to reach the finish line.”
Growth mindset example: Share your own growth experiences with your team. Instead of simply saying, “This was a failure,” say, “I made a mistake, and here’s what I’ve learned and how I plan to approach it differently moving forward.”
#2 Embrace effort and set priorities
Fixed mindsets can sometimes feel easier and like less work, but a growth mindset allows you to try harder for longer, which often leads to greater achievement. That said, not every skill is worth pursuing. A growth mindset isn’t about forcing yourself to excel in areas you don’t value. It’s OK to prioritize the skills and experiences that align with your goals and passions.
Growth mindset example: If you realize that despite putting in effort, you’re not passionate about advancing in a particular career path, it’s OK to redirect your focus toward areas that inspire you more—whether that’s gaining expertise in a different field or honing a personal skill.
#3 Set growth-focused goals
Shift your focus from outcomes to learning and progress. Instead of aiming for perfection, set goals like, “I want to improve my public speaking skills by practicing once a week.” This keeps the emphasis on growth and effort.
Growth mindset example: If a presentation doesn’t go perfectly, reflect on what you learned and how you’ll improve next time, rather than seeing it as a failure.
#4 Celebrate team learning moments
Shift the focus from individual performance to collective learning. Create opportunities to debrief as a team after completing projects, discussing what was learned, what could be improved, and how those lessons can inform future work.
Growth mindset example: After a project faces unexpected setbacks, a leader might say, “Let’s analyze what went wrong, share what we’ve learned, and brainstorm ways to avoid similar issues in the future. These moments make us stronger as a team.”
#5 Establish feedback loops
Create a culture where feedback is not only given but also sought regularly, emphasizing constructive insights rather than criticism. Encourage employees to see feedback as a tool for growth rather than judgment.
Growth mindset example: Implement a monthly “feedback sprint” where employees share one strength and one area for improvement they’ve noticed in themselves.
Growth is lifelong
Whether you’re working on personal goals or leading a team, a growth mindset can help you cultivate resilience, realize your potential, and achieve more. Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistent effort and a willingness to learn, it’s always within reach.
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By
The Lyra Team
20 of December 2024 - 8 min read
Mental health at work
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