Adopting a business wide Growth Mindset means understanding that an organisation's capacity to innovate and grow is not fixed, but rather it can be developed.
From Belief to Evolution – Growth Mindset
The idea of the growth mindset was brought into the spotlight by Dr. Carol Dweck, a psychologist at Stanford University. She uncovered the contrasting beliefs people hold about their abilities through extensive research. While some see their skills, talents and intelligence as fixed traits, others believe they can be developed. This latter group that believes traits are malleable and can be developed are those we’d consider to have a growth mindset.
Intricacies of a Growth Mindset
Having a growth mindset goes beyond just being optimistic or persistent. It’s an overarching belief system that influences a person’s approach to challenges, failures, and successes. The core principles behind the growth mindset:
Continuous learning: those with a growth mindset see every experience as a lesson. They are curious, ask questions, and are open to new information, even if it challenges their beliefs.
Embracing challenges: instead of avoiding difficulties, they are welcomed as necessary steps for growth. Instead, they are not deterrents but are seen as milestones on the personal development journey.
Resilience in the face of setbacks: failure isn’t seen as the end but rather a detour. Instead of being discouraged, individuals with a growth mindset assess what went wrong, learn from mistakes, and move forward with renewed determination.
Viewing effort as a pathway to mastery: while talent might initiate the journey, it’s the effort that propels a person forward. Dedication and hard work are valued as crucial components of success.
Drawing inspiration from others: instead of feeling jealous or threatened by others’ success, those with a growth mindset use it as motivation. They believe that if one person can achieve something with the right effort and dedication, so can they.
Benefits of a Growth Mindset in Your Business
While the concept originated in educational settings, its application is universal.
Businesses and organisations with a growth mindset culture have employees who are more innovative, risk-taking, and committed to learning. They see challenges as growth opportunities rather than threats. Benefits of a Growth Mindset include:
- Boosting employee motivation.
- Enhances brain development across broader age groups.
- Improves task performance over time.
- Promotes positive feelings towards challenges.
Adopting a growth mindset is a journey, not a destination. It requires conscious effort, reflection, and the willingness to change. Regularly challenging one’s beliefs, seeking feedback, and viewing challenges as opportunities are pivotal steps in this journey.
Mappit’s Role in Enhancing Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is about believing in potential, embracing challenges, and continuously seeking self-improvement. Organisations striving for success must adopt this perspective, ensuring everyone is aligned with this growth-oriented approach.
Mappit offers a unique and bespoke Mindset Survey designed based on research to measure and identify an individual’s mindset preferences. While many surveys focus on performance metrics, Mappit’s distinct advantage lies in pinpointing various mindset types, particularly the “Growth Mindset”. Mappit is unique because it captures an individual’s mindset, setting it apart in the industry.
With these insights in hand, individuals can pinpoint areas for improvement, aligning with the principles of a growth mindset. Mappit’s intuitive display of results ensures employees have a clear pathway to continuous growth. For the HR professional, the focus isn’t on tedious administrative tasks but on the heart of the feedback – fostering genuine conversations. When feedback becomes a dialogue, growth isn’t just encouraged – it’s ignited!
