What does it mean to have a growth mindset?

Firstly, When someone has a growth mindset they believe that they can continue to learn and become more intelligent with effort. In contrast, someone who has a fixed mindset believes that they are born with a certain amount of talent and intelligence and that cannot be improved no matter how much effort they put forth.

Why is having a growth mindset important as a student and professional?

Secondly, Having a growth mindset is something that employers are always looking for. If you believe that you can learn and become more skilled and intelligent you will be a harder worker and you will excel in whatever you do. As a student, you will be open to learning new things and new information will come easily to you.

What are the biggest differences between having a fixed mindset and a growth mindset?

One of the biggest differences between these two mindsets is how one handles mistakes and criticism. Someone with a growth mindset sees mistakes as a learning opportunity and openly accepts criticism because they believe it will help them grow. Someone with a fixed mindset often gives up and takes criticism personally.

The difference between a fixed vs. a growth mindset ultimately boils down to how people perceive their abilities. “Some people believe their talents and abilities are these fixed traits (a fixed mindset). You have a certain amount and that’s it. But other people believe talents and abilities can be developed through hard work, good strategies, good manager-ing from others,” Dr. Dweck explains in a discussion at Talks at Google.

Those with a fixed mindset are fearful of challenges and difficulties.

They don’t want to come across as less intelligent or less talented. These individuals fear failure might prove they aren’t as gifted as they have been told or believe they are.

Conversely, those with a growth mindset are more interested in developing themselves than worrying about what others might think if they fail. This is why people with this mindset are more likely to challenge themselves, even in the face of failure. Furthermore, they realize being vulnerable and putting themselves out there is a part of growth and self-improvement.

Shifting away from a fixed mindset means recognizing areas requiring growth.

Every leader has room for personal development that can benefit their business and its people. For company owners and key organizational players, this requires honest self-analysis in partnership with organizational analysis.

In order to shift more toward a growth mindset, the company founder’s purpose and business’s purpose should be in alignment. Studies show that purpose-driven businesses outperform and outgrow purely profit-driven businesses time and time again.