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.
When we examine the growth mindset in the workplace, employees with this mindset view intelligence, abilities, and talents as learnable and improvable through effort. 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. When companies cultivate a growth mindset, psychological safety and self-efficacy are enhanced, leading to increased intrinsic motivation and psychological alignment. It’s crucial to view new opportunities as chances to grow and develop new professional skills.
Developing a workforce characterised by a strong growth mindset, resilience, and determination can be achieved through strategic use of reward systems and effective management. One key area which can contribute to employee’s intrinsic motivation is praise. Employers should focus on praising their employees on the process and their strategies rather than the result of their actions. Additionally, this prevents employees from developing a fixed mindset, where they only perform tasks, they already know they can complete, staying within their comfort zone.
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 calculated risks, leading to breakthroughs and advancements in technology as they are offered psychological safety. The supportive environment and emphasis on personal and professional growth contribute to a more motivated and committed workforce.
How can organisations promote a growth mindset?:
- Provide constructive feedback.
- Create a safe environment for taking risks and making mistakes.
- Offer continuous learning opportunities
- Recognise and reward effort and improvement, not just outcomes.
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 lead to increased psychological safety, self-efficacy, and overall employee engagement.
More on Mindset
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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/
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-self-determination-theory-2795387
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
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