Building A Resilient Workforce : The Power of A Growth Mindset
Introduction
The concept of a growth mindset has gained attention in recent years, particularly regarding its impact on leaders and, subsequently, on employees within organisations. A growth mindset positively affects both leaders and employees and often needs to be fostered within the work environment.
Individuals with this mindset view intelligence, abilities, and talents as learnable and improvable through effort (Ng.B 2018). Those with a growth mindset are not defined by their past; they have the capacity and resilience to learn from mistakes and move forward. From a leader’s perspective, the essence of a growth mindset is a willingness to learn.
In contrast, employees without a growth mindset may have a fixed mindset. Those with a fixed mindset see traits like intelligence and capability as inherently stable and unchangeable over time. They perceive conflicts and problems as setbacks rather than opportunities to grow and evolve.
How can organisations create an environment which fosters cultivation of a growth mindset?
Leaders should not be afraid to make mistakes themselves and be accountable for them. This shows employees that they can also make mistakes without fear of punishment, creating a comfortable environment for taking risks. Leaders can also engage in promoting their personal and employees’ strengths and focusing on developing them simultaneously (Liu et al 2022). This can contribute to cultivation of a growth mindset where psychological safety is enhanced, leading to increased intrinsic motivation and alignment with organisational goals.
Developing a workforce characterised by a strong growth mindset, resilience, and determination can be achieved through strategic use of reward systems and effective management. Rewards have been deemed a method of recognition and a reflection of employee achievement. A good reward system will appreciate hard work and learning and signal to others that it is possible to grow and improve their own skillset (Chao et al 2017).
Microsoft, one of the largest tech companies in the world, has made significant strides in fostering a growth mindset and promoting a supportive environment for its employees under the leadership of CEO Satya Nadella. He initiated a cultural transformation centred around the concept of a growth mindset. The focus encouraging employees to continuously learn, take risks, and embrace challenges. Microsoft promoted a collaborative environment where teamwork and inclusivity become a priority. This focus on a growth mindset led to a more innovative culture. Employees became more willing to experiment and take risks, leading to advancements in technology. This illustrates the power of a supportive environment and emphasis on personal and professional growth in contributing to a more motivated and committed workforce.
How can organisations promote a growth mindset?:
- Provide constructive feedback regularly
- Create a positive environment that allows employees to take risks and learn from their mistakes
- Offer continuous opportunities for learning and development
- Recognise and reward effort and improvement, not just results
Conclusion
In conclusion, fostering a growth mindset is crucial for cultivating a dynamic and resilient workforce. Leaders play an integral role in demonstrating a willingness to learn, embracing mistakes, and encouraging risk-taking. Practical strategies such as providing regular feedback, creating a safe environment for innovation, and offering continuous development opportunities are essential. These efforts can lead to an overall increase in employee engagement and satisfaction.
More on Mindset
Banduras Social Cognitive Theory
The Expectation Effect: How Your Mindset Can Transform Your Life with David Robson – Podcast
Game Changer: Mindset Mastery with Christian Straka – Podcast
Sources
https://www.richroll.com/podcast/sacha-anvil-706/
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https://www.thomas.co/resources/type/hr-blog/how-foster-growth-mindset-workplace
https://hbr.org/2016/01/what-having-a-growth-mindset-actually-means
https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/growth-mindset-vs-fixed-mindset
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUWn_TJTrnU
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2019/11/05/fostering-a-growth-mindset-in-your-company/
https://bhavis.medium.com/how-did-satya-nadella-instill-a-growth-mindset-at-microsoft-f500fb9805c0
Ng B. The Neuroscience of Growth Mindset and Intrinsic Motivation. Brain Sci. 2018 Jan 26;8(2):20. .https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5836039/
Liu, Qiang & Tong, Yuqiong. (2022). Employee Growth Mindset and Innovative Behavior: The Roles of Employee Strengths Use and Strengths-Based Leadership. Frontiers in Psychology. http://10.3389/fpsyg.2022.814154
Chao, Melody & Visaria, Sujata & Mukhopadhyay, Anirban & Dehejia, Rajeev. (2017). Do Rewards Reinforce the Growth Mindset?: Joint Effects of the Growth Mindset and Incentive Schemes in a Field Intervention. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General. 146. 10.1037/xge0000355.
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