“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.”
Dale Carnegie Quotes, (n.d.)
UNPACKING ESSENTIAL FUNCTION 3: BUILDING A GROWTH MINDSET
Fixed versus Growth Mindsets
An individual’s mindset can profoundly affect their approach to life and problem-solving. Individuals with a “fixed mindset” think talent is inborn, talent determines one’s success, and intelligence is a fixed trait. In contrast, individuals with a “growth mindset” think anyone can be good at anything with enough dedication and perseverance, learning happens across the lifespan, and intelligence is malleable (Dweck, 2007).
A growth mindset helps individuals learn from their experience, because rather than being stopped by setbacks, the focus is on learning from those experiences and persevering to success. It keeps the attention on the work needed to achieve a goal. A growth mindset promotes an appreciation for the collaborative process by recognizing and appreciating the value of what others have to offer. Lastly, a growth mindset allows one to recognize and take advantage of learning opportunities, including opportunities to learn through professional development (Craig, 2017).
In the following video, Dr. Carol Dweck discusses the impact mindset can have on organizations and how organizational values impact people’s mindsets. As you watch this video, consider where your district/building would fall on the growth mindset continuum. What behaviors of your organization would support your rating?
Carol Dweck on “Developing a Growth Mindset Culture in Organizations” (The PTS Tube, 2017). (3:27 min)
4 Strategies to Promote Growth Mindset (Love, 2018).
- Value professional learning by investing time and resources to help staff develop new skills (including School-Based Implementation Coaching).
- Spend time with staff discussing successes and areas needing adjustment. Allow time for staff to share what is going well and what may need adjusting during the implementation process. Create a feedback loop and communication structures.
- Include everyone in the implementation process. Rather than limit implementation efforts to a few key people, make it a priority to involve everyone during the implementation planning and implementation. Great ideas come from everywhere!
- Seek and be open to feedback. To ensure staff have a growth mindset, leadership must model these same qualities. Seeking and being open to feedback is an important way for leadership to model a growth mindset and encourage staff.
Coaching Companion
Online Article: How to build a growth mindset into school culture. Vedova, T. D. (2015, Oct. 21).
Online Article: A Complete Guide to Changing Your Fixed Mindset into a Growth Mindset. Jeffery, S. (n.d.).
Online Article: The Fixed Mindset vs.The Growth Mindset. France, S. (n.d.).
Video: Mindset, Motivation, and Leadership, featuring Carol Dweck. Kanatola Training Solutions (2016, March 24).