Growth Mindset FAQs
Ever heard of Carol Dweck? She's like the Sherlock Holmes of the brain world, uncovering the mystery of why some of us are like elastic bands, stretching with every challenge, while others are more like old rubber boots, comfortable but not great at adapting. Thanks to her, 'growth mindset' is now a phrase commonly used in the workplace. Think of it as your brain's secret sauce for learning and bouncing back.
Not so long ago, we thought our brains were like old-school computers – limited hard drives, what you see is what you get. But Dweck showed us that our noggins are more like smartphones, constantly updating and downloading new apps of knowledge and skills. It's all about believing in the brain’s capacity to grow.
In a high-performing team, a growth mindset isn't just nice to have; it's like the office Wi-Fi – essential for connection and progress. It’s the difference between saying “I can’t do this” and “I can’t do this yet.” Teams with this mindset are innovation powerhouses, where setbacks are more 'aha' moments than 'oh no' disasters.
Meanwhile, a fixed mindset is like still owning a flip phone in the age of smartphones. Sure, it makes calls, but you're missing out on so much more.
Without flexibility and the motivation to grow, people fear change rather than feel inspired by it. Not only that, but it takes time and effort to develop your people, and turnover continues to rise as those who resist change leave or feel ill-equipped to adapt. High-performing teams are agile and can adapt quickly, working together well to support each other and challenge where necessary for continuous improvement.