2021 is the Year of Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is not specifically related to growth in profit. It is “the belief that an individual’s most basic abilities and skills can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point.” Our default wiring, however, is that of a “fixed mindset.” A fixed mindset is “the belief that an individual’s basic abilities and skills, their intelligence and their talents, are just fixed traits.”

To create a successful 2021, ActionCOACH RGV wants to help you bring your team to a new level with a growth mindset.

A Growth Mindset Drives Business Success

Because a growth mindset believes in will and effort, it also encourages honest feedback and constant communication. This mindset sees challenges as opportunities, rather than threats. As we saw many challenges this year, successful teams used each one as a tool to be creative, learn more, and try again.

Identifying a Growth Mindset

There are a few ways to find out which members of your team already have a growth mindset, even how to identify them in an interview. 

First, find out how they view their own growth in the company. If they place value on repetitive met goals, rather than creating new ones, they might be inclined to a fixed mindset. Growth-minded individuals are also highly aware of inter-departmental goals, struggles, and work. 

There should also be a clear answer when asked what process improvements they are working on or who is their greatest competition. With a growth mindset, employees are aware that anything can be improved and their competition is not within their own organization. They are also open to coaching and training opportunities.

Remember, a growth mindset culture can be created! As stated before, we lean towards a fixed mindset. Recognizing this can help you begin to change the culture of your company today.

How to Develop a Growth Mindset:

1. It starts with you.

A growth mindset begins at the top. Your team will follow your lead in many ways, so showing accountability in all areas is important. This includes areas of improvement or failures.

However, don’t stay focused on these “failures.” Recognize where mistakes were made, the lessons that can be learned, and how to improve.

2. Have the right focus.

We can only control our own actions and responses. Creating comparisons to others can lead to unhealthy competition or envy. While there is much to learn from others, it’s most important to focus on what you have, what you are doing, and your own purpose.

Remember that value is more important to your team and customers than money. Having a product that you and others can be proud of will create a solid support staff.

Again, focusing on our failures will distract us from our goals. While we should learn from them, focusing on wins and progress will get you back on a growth mindset and ready for your next step.

3. Put in the hours.

Although Malcolm Gladwell wrote you need 10,000 hours to become an expert, that doesn’t mean you won’t be great at your craft beforehand! With a growth mindset, you are aware that each hour and step you take will move you closer to becoming an expert in your specialty.

There is no substitute for hard work. If you enjoy your work, and find purpose in it, you will have so much more fun delivering your products and services.

4. Introduce learning through coaching.

Meet with your employees regularly to create personal development objectives. By continually encouraging training and coaching, their mindset will shift to one of growth and improvement.

Coaching also provides ways to give feedback, recognition, and praise. These go hand in hand, as feedback will be taken more positively when given with recognition and approval. Remember to also ask your team for feedback for yourself. We’ll say it again; it starts at the top!

From Survive to Thrive

A growth mindset will take time and effort to achieve. However, leaders can enact this change by encouraging a healthy outlook for their employees to view themselves and their team in a positive, energized way.
ActionCOACH RGV’s business support coaches encourage you to develop this mindset by joining Founder’s U. This program supports business owners in developing a laser-focused strategy for 2021 that grows your business’ profitability, promotes healthy team development, puts the focus back on the customer and their satisfaction, and so much more--all of which can only be unlocked once you have attained the right growth mindset.

Take action and join Founder’s U today! Our business coaches are ready to guide you in achieving your 2021 goals.