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Growth Mindset as a Blueprint for Resilience

Writer's picture: Claire BradyClaire Brady

Updated: Dec 7, 2023

"Leaders, drawing on over two decades of research, must champion a shift towards a growth mindset by emphasizing the primacy of learning over perfection."


This is the sixth post in a new Blog series focused on executive skills needed to build and maintain healthy organizational cultures.


Fostering a growth mindset within the organizational culture emerges as a linchpin for success. Recent research conducted by Dweck and colleagues (2019) illuminates the profound impact of a growth mindset on organizational outcomes, revealing heightened levels of innovation, resilience, and adaptability in cultures that prioritize this mindset.


This study underscores the correlation between employees' belief in their ability to grow and an organization's overall capacity to navigate challenges effectively. This aligns with the findings of Blackwell et al. (2019), who identified that individuals with a growth mindset not only exhibit increased perseverance in the face of setbacks but also tend to outperform their fixed mindset counterparts in various academic and professional domains.


Leaders, drawing on over two decades of research, must champion a shift towards a growth mindset by emphasizing the primacy of learning over perfection. As a leader, I have observed that acknowledging and celebrating effort, resilience, and the learning process itself creates a culture where mistakes are viewed as stepping stones rather than setbacks, promoting a positive and forward-thinking atmosphere.


Practical steps toward instilling a growth mindset include providing learning opportunities, mentorship programs, and resources that encourage skill development. Reinforcing the importance of a growth mindset through recognition and rewards for a commitment to learning is essential. This perspective is corroborated by Mueller and Dweck's (2018) findings, emphasizing the significance of praise for effort in fostering a growth-oriented mindset.


By fostering an environment that values learning and development, leaders can leverage the collective potential of their teams, driving innovation and resilience in higher education and non-profit management.


Encouraging a growth mindset among executive leaders involves leveraging specific, research-backed resources. Here are some specific recommendations:


Books:


Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck: The foundational work that introduced the concept of fixed and growth mindsets.


Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth: Explores the importance of passion and perseverance in achieving long-term goals.


Online Courses:


Developing a Growth Mindset on Coursera: Offered by the University of Virginia, this course provides practical strategies for developing and maintaining a growth mindset.

Workshops and Training Programs:


The Brainology Workshop by Mindset Works: Designed for educators and leaders, this workshop translates growth mindset research into actionable strategies.

Articles and Research Papers:


"Implicit Theories of Intelligence Predict Achievement Across an Adolescent Transition: A Longitudinal Study and an Intervention" by Lisa S. Blackwell, Kali H. Trzesniewski, and Carol S. Dweck: This research paper explores the impact of implicit theories of intelligence on achievement across adolescence.


"Fostering Growth Mindsets: A Cognitive-Behavioral Perspective on Intervention Effects" by David S. Yeager and Carol S. Dweck: A comprehensive study on the impact of growth mindset interventions.


Podcasts:


The Mindset Mentor by Rob Dial: This podcast explores various aspects of mindset and personal development, providing insights for leaders seeking a growth-oriented perspective.

Webinars and TED Talks:


The Power of Believing That You Can Improve by Carol S. Dweck (TEDxNorrkoping): Dweck's TED Talk delves into the concept of mindset and its impact on personal and professional growth.

Online Platforms:


Mindset Kit by PERTS (Project for Education Research That Scales): An online resource providing educators and leaders with tools and resources to foster a growth mindset in individuals and organizations.


Psychological Assessments:


Growth Mindset Assessment by Mindset Works: A tool to assess an individual's mindset and provide insights into areas for development.


References:

Dweck, C. S., et al. (2019). Fostering Growth Mindsets: A Collective Perspective on Scaling Progress. Harvard Business Review, 97(6), 54-61.


Blackwell, L. S., et al. (2019). Implicit theories of intelligence predict achievement across an adolescent transition: A longitudinal study and an intervention. Child Development, 80(1), 246-261.


Mueller, C. M., & Dweck, C. S. (2018). Praise for intelligence can undermine children’s motivation and performance. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 75(1), 33-52.










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