If I had to pick just one thing that was going to set me apart from everyone else in the room it would have to be the mindset.
You may have heard of Kobe Bryant’s famous Mamba Mindset. A relentless pursuit of greatness, founded on unbeatable work ethic and passion for his craft.
Or you might of heard of a coaching mindset or whatever else there is, and there are way to many to list. I just loved Kobe as a kid so Mamba mindset get the top position…
But the type of mindset that we often hear about in the work place is a Growth Mindset. Attributed to Carol Dweck’s work — which is well worth going down a rabbit hole for.
Im going to distill what are some of the key things that I have found help me from a growth mindset. Read on with caution though… because once you know, you cannot un know. Dum, dum, dummmm. **Cue Jaws Music**
What Exactly Is A Growth Mindset?
A growth mindset is a concept developed by psychologist Carol Dweck. It refers to the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed and improved through dedication, effort, and learning. Individuals with a growth mindset tend to view challenges and setbacks as opportunities for personal growth and see failure as a stepping stone to success. They are more likely to persevere in the face of difficulties and are open to learning from their mistakes.
The opposite of a growth mindset? A fixed mindset. In a nutshell, a fixed mindset basically means you have been born with a set level of skill, talent and knowledge and that is just the way it is. No amount of work will take you beyond your competition who was just born more talented than you.
I know. Sounds insane to you and I — but it is also very unlikely that you would be reading this if you had a fixed mindset (because you wouldn’t be able to learn anything anyway right?)
How do I apply this growth mindset in my workplace?
When things happen, the telling sign of a growth mindset is how a person responds.
Sounds simple right?
And it is.
Easy? Not so much.
The challenge with a growth mindset is it relies on rational, pragmatic thinking. Something humans are simply not so good at all the time.
So, when things happen at work and they go wrong try to respond with a growth mindset.
Review, learn, adapt.
I find it has really helped me to implement a strategy of daily or weekly reflection. It doesn’t have to be huge sessions, intense or even formal. But by applying systems thinking to my workplace, I can effectively utilize a growth mindset and really push my self to learn, grow and adapt quicker.
A simple growth mindset tool for work (and life)
Do a post game analysis. Like Kobe, be obsessed with the re watching the tape and understanding what is going on and how to be better.
3 questions to guide your post game analysis:
What went well?
What didn’t go well?
What would you do better next time?
That’s it. Simple questions, that, if answered honestly and without bias can completely revolutionize your performance.
Applying a growth mindset doesn’t require a Kobe Bryant like obsession and Mamba Mentality. It does require a little bit of introspection, the ability to look at your actions and outcomes and choose respond with with opportunity to learn.
Choose to apply a growth mindset and choose to set yourself apart in the workplace and in life.
Or better yet, succumb to my shameless request for engagement and reply with your thoughts on how you can apply a growth mindset to your day to day life.
