How to Cultivate a Growth Mindset at Workplace
For two decades of research, Carol Dweck stated that one of the most basic beliefs we carry about ourselves has to do with how we view and inhabit what we consider to be our personality. She says that the human brain can take up two forms of mindsets, I.e. Growth and Fixed in the early years of growing up. Moreover, it is not possible for a person to be at extreme ends, most of us still would fall in the between, I.e. Cultivate a Growth Mindset at Workplace (as and when situations demand us to have a certain outlook, we mold ourselves to fit in).
Characteristics of the Fixed Mindset
Dweck defines the fixed mindset as those individuals who see intelligence as static. They are the ones who are aware of their level of intelligence and the leverage that in completing a task. They are not willing to take up risk, hence avoid being in challenging situations. They are firm believers that they are already the best version of themselves. Due to their risk averse nature, they tend to give up very easily and don’t put in additional efforts if needed. They don’t take criticism too well, often ignore useful advice ever given. They tend to feel threatened by the success of others. As a result, they are not able to achieve to their fullest potential.
Characteristics of the Growth Mindset
On the contrary, Dweck also mentions those possessing growth mindset believe that their learning and intelligence has tremendous scope for improvement and can significantly increase with time and experience. Due to their constant drive to strive at everything they do, they take up challenges. They don’t see failures as a setback, rather they see it as an opportunity to develop their skills. They take feedback seriously and find inspirations in the success of others. As a result, they tend to have a greater sense of free will.
Identifying Mindset Traits in Individuals
Having understood what each of these mindsets entail. It is difficult to recognize them, however the above stated factors become traits or observable behaviors that help us demarcate between the two. Cultivate a Growth Mindset at Workplace has increasingly become a buzzword and organizations need to cultivate a culture that encourages employees to develop the same.
Here is what organizations can do to maintain a growth mindset culture at workplace
Seek a culture of learners
If the culture needs to be developed, it is essential to look for candidates who possess growth mindset. The more folks you recruit who themselves harbor an individual commitment to self-development will more seamlessly and effectively participate in a culture committed to development and growth
Create a culture of risk taking
In the corporate world, not everything goes as per the plan. The teams should be given a chance to fail. This gives the team permission to experiment and improve on the idea in stages.
Encourage out of the box thinking amongst the team
When you build teams that are constantly moving forward with innovative thinking and agility, your employees become even more invaluable.
Dweck found that employees in growth mindset organizations, when compared to those with fixed mindset, are 47% likelier to see their colleagues as trustworthy; 34% likelier to feel a strong sense of ownership and commitment to the company; 65% likelier to say that the company supports risk taking; and 49% likelier to say that the company fosters innovation.
