Growth mindset – and how leaders can develop it even further
A growth mindset is a way of thinking that emphasizes the belief that personal qualities and abilities can be developed and improved. Leaders with a growth mindset see challenges and setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow, and are not deterred by failures or setbacks. They tend to embrace effort as a necessary ingredient for growth and success, and are willing to put in the time needed to achieve their goals.
The concept of growth mindset has been widely applied in business settings to promote learning and development. Our clients, when looking for extraordinary leaders, emphasize the importance of the mindset, and due to challenges and uncertainties, it has become a crucial mindset for future leaders.
It is a studied fact that leaders with a growth mindset are more likely to be open to new ideas, willing to take calculated risks, and able to persist in the face of obstacles. They are also more likely to encourage and empower their team members to develop their own skills and abilities, which can lead to higher levels of engagement, productivity, and innovation. In addition, leaders with a growth mindset are better equipped to handle the rapidly changing and complex business environment of today.
Developing a growth mindset as a leader can be challenging. Working as an executive search consultant and a coach gives me an excellent opportunity to learn from my wonderful clients who utilize several strategies to develop themselves.
Here's a list of top strategies and how to implement them.
Embrace challenges: See challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Rather than avoiding challenging tasks or situations, approach them with a willingness to learn and improve.
Learn from failure: Instead of viewing failure as a reflection of your abilities, see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Analyze what went wrong and what you can do differently next time – and share this with others.
Focus on effort: Instead of solely focusing on outcomes, emphasize the effort put into the process. Recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication that goes into achieving success.
Seek feedback: Solicit feedback from colleagues, mentors, or coaches. Use this feedback as an opportunity to identify areas of improvement and work to develop new skills and abilities.
Cultivate a learning culture: Encourage and promote a culture of continuous learning and development among your team. Provide opportunities for growth and development, such as training programs or mentoring.
Emphasize progress over perfection: Instead of striving for perfection, focus on making progress and continuous improvement. Recognize and celebrate small wins along the way.
Practice self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your experiences, successes, and challenges, and use this deliberation to identify areas of improvement. Set goals for growth and development.
The last one is my favorite. This is the ground strategy for every leader – without it, you will not flourish. You can read more of my thoughts on self-reflection and Emotional Intelligence in April´s Fakta magazine. Until then, let´s cultivate and develop the needed skills to succeed in our roles.
Text: Eija Laine