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What is Growth Mindset?
To understand why Growth Mindset is important to career success we must first understand what it is. Carol Dweck describes mindset as a continuum from fixed at one end to growth at the other. A growth mindset is a belief that one can change their intelligence levels and abilities through perseverance and effort in the face of adversity and failure. A growth mindset is seen as more positive and helpful.1 If you want to dive in deep, check out Carol Dweck’s book, which helps you understand how applying a growth mindset can lead to success in many aspects of your life.
What is the science saying?
The research in this area is still very young and has some gaps. It is also largely focused on the application of a growth mindset in schools and universities. It is clear that there is a relationship between a growth mindset and motivation and self-efficacy. This can in turn lead to higher academic achievement or career success. When someone applies a growth mindset they also gain the benefit of lifelong learning.2
Further research is needed to understand the application. For example, there may be different results achieved based on how the theory is applied or taught. There is also more to be understood about how adopting a growth mindset may benefit an individual long-term as opposed to one-off interventions.3
In teaching with the intent to foster a growth mindset, there is a focus on the following:
- Praising the process rather than the outcome or skill of the person.
- Framing mistakes as learning opportunities
- Embracing challenge4
Whilst it seems that the IQ may still be the best predictor of academic and professional success there are clear positive results from the application of a growth mindset which can improve academic outcomes 5
Why Growth Mindset is Important to Career Success.
Why Growth Mindset is important is best described through my own story. This highlights what it feels like to shift along the continuum from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. I will give you a snapshot of my thought processes both at the start of my career and now.
Fixed Mindset - My Thinking
Fixed mindset - My results
With this mindset I was feeling threatened, and defensive, and I lacked creativity and confidence. I was not getting the results on projects which I wanted so badly. It affected my team and how they perceived my skills. It affected my performance and my earning potential.
Growth Mindset - My Thinking
Growth mindset - My results
Changing my mindset really turned things around for me. The process began with starting to learn about personal development. It opened my eyes to the ability to influence my skills. I began to question my thoughts and beliefs about my abilities, and ultimately I started to achieve the things I wanted so badly. I was able to learn the skills which I thought I didn’t possess. This opened the door to creativity and the ability to add huge value to projects.
The growth which I went through was largely driven by reading and listening to podcasts. However, this only got me so far. It was when I started working with a coach that I saw where I was really getting stuck. Our beliefs and our thought patterns are so much a part of us, it’s hard to see the wood for the trees. Having a coach can really lift you to the next level and help you to see things from different perspectives, leading to insights and fast change. Check out my coaching page if you think I could help you! Change is hard and having support can really help.
I hope my experience helps you see the benefit of questioning your mindset. I hope it helps you see just how much difference your own thoughts can make to what happens at work.
As an end note, I want to show some compassion to any of you who might be in a challenging situation. Work situations can be hard. Many managers and colleagues don’t have trained leadership skills and are fighting their own internal battles. Whilst having a growth mindset cannot change your individual situation, it can help you look at it differently. It gives you a tool which is within your control leading to more success! You cannot control others, you can only control yourself.
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- Mindset. (2020, July 12). In Wikipedia.
- Courtney, J. (2021). Effects of Growth Mindset. Masters Thesis and Capestone Projects, Northwestern College. NW Commons
- Courtney, J. (2021). Effects of Growth Mindset. Masters Thesis and Capestone Projects, Northwestern College. NW Commons
- Savvides, H., & Bond, C. (2021). How does growth mindset inform interventions in primary schools? A systematic literature review. Educational Psychology in Practice, 37(2), 134–149.
- Hedlund, A. (2021). Beliefs and Attitudes that Influence Learning: A Mind, Brain, and Education Literature Review. GiLE Journal of Skills Development, 1(2), 44–57.
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