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\n\n\n\nAccording to Dweck, a fixed mindset assumes that, whether it\u2019s our personality, intelligence, skills, or abilities, they have a certain limit that can\u2019t be surpassed. On the other hand, a growth mindset assumes that there\u2019s always a chance to grow and develop abilities and skills with time and effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After taking a closer look at those mindsets, you would think that adopting a growth mindset is the way to go when it comes to business. Surprisingly, the reality can be the complete opposite of that, and a growth mindset can have a negative impact on your business when it\u2019s not applied correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The thing is, a growth mindset that\u2019s been researched properly and used correctly in organizations or companies, will <\/em>make a drastic difference– and this is exactly what was discovered after preliminary analyses were done on some of the world\u2019s top companies and organizations. They adopted the whole growth mindset theory after adequately researching it and stuck to its science to a T, which explains their success.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHowever, in that same study, much to the researchers\u2019 surprise, they found that there were companies that adopted a growth mindset, but it didn\u2019t work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, what for them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well, we will start with growth mindset misconceptions and myths people believe that are a result of insufficient research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Myth 1: People Have either a Fixed mindset or a Growth Mindset<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
One of the most common myths that people mistakenly believe is that each person can adopt a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the truth of the matter is, people can shift from one mindset to another, and it happens all the time. In addition, a person can have both mindsets in a way that they hold a fixed mindset about a specific area in their lives, while adopting a growth mindset in other areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Myth 2: A Business Can Have a Growth Mindset<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Another misconception that\u2019s more associated with business owners is that they think of their business or company as a whole, and that their business itself <\/em>can have a growth mindset. It might sound illogical, but there are countless businesses that stand behind that belief.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGiven the fact that businesses can\u2019t<\/em> think for themselves, and growth mindset is a state of mind, businesses can\u2019t adopt growth mindsets. On the other hand, the employees in the business can adopt either or both mindsets, and this is where the leaders come into play. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThey can help their employees to learn more about growth mindset by detailing the science behind it and helping them understand how they can make the switch to a growth mindset in this specific area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Myth 3: Growth Mindset is Limitless<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s often said that a growth mindset is about being limitless. You can do whatever you set your mind to, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well, not exactly.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s true that a growth mindset is synonymous with freedom. It allows you to be resilient in the face of failure, embrace challenges that come along, cultivate and improve the skills, abilities, and talents that you have, and focus on the process as a whole, and not just the outcome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
No one is saying that these things are wrong; however, what\u2019s wrong is to think that, with a growth mindset, an engineer can become a surgeon or an opera singer can become an Olympic diver, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A growth mindset doesn\u2019t and shouldn\u2019t<\/em> include limitless possibilities. And, even if employees have adopted a growth mindset, that shouldn\u2019t allow them to think that resources are infinite and they can do anything. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe feeling of being limitless can distract the employees from focusing on what they truly excel at and as a result, the outcome will be far from what was expected . It\u2019s important that business owners recognize that they need to keep in mind each of their employees\u2019 capacity and what they can and can\u2019t do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Myth 4: Growth Mindset is Synonymous With Being Positive<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A grave mistake that business owners make with their employees when it comes to a growth mindset is whenever employees state that they\u2019re overwhelmed with work, they are chastised because after all, they think that they should be able to do whatever they set their mind to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not only is this extremely counterproductive, but it will also put a lot of pressure on the employees, who will continue working on things that aren\u2019t within their capability. When employees are overwhelmed, attacking and blaming their mindset will have a negative impact on their productivity and overall mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Myth 5: You Can\u2019t Succeed Unless You Have a Growth Mindset<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
People often think the one and only way to success is a growth mindset. While it\u2019s important to adopt a mindset that will allow you to improve your skills and abilities, and encourage you to do your best, having a fixed mindset, or a limiting mindset as some would call, doesn\u2019t mean that it\u2019s a path to failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are people out there who have a fixed mindset and yet, are still extremely successful. However, what helps them reach that level of success is how they define that success. If someone with a fixed mindset measures their success as the outcome that\u2019s the result of outperforming their competition, it\u2019s highly likely that this mindset will catapult them to success. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They set their own fixed standards very high and are able to reach them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now that we\u2019ve established the misconceptions and myths that can cause a growth mindset to hold you back in business, let\u2019s take a look at how to adopt a growth mindset in the right way.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nIt Starts With the Recruitment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Businesses are constantly growing and always changing, and as these changes happen, some individuals will struggle with coming up with innovative ideas and solutions. The business will stall and it\u2019s safe to say that it\u2019ll hit a wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In order to adopt a growth mindset that will keep your business from hitting a roadblock, it\u2019s important to consider people\u2019s capacity during the recruitment process. People who demonstrate that they\u2019re willing to learn and open to ideas are the ones that you should include in your team. They value learning and are passionate about it, and because of this, they will be a great asset for the business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related<\/strong>: Why You Can (And Should) Embrace a Growth Mindset<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nBuilding a Culture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As much as it\u2019s important to build a learning culture, it\u2019s equally as important to cultivate a culture where it\u2019s okay to take risks and accept their outcome, good or bad. In any business, failure is an inevitable part of the process; there\u2019s just no way around it. But, it\u2019s not the end of the world– and this point is where a growth mindset differs from a fixed mindset. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adopting a growth mindset will help employees recognize that failure is inevitable. However, whether it\u2019s with innovation, creativity, or a fiery passion, there are ways that can help move a business forward and bounce back from setbacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hold Yourself 100% Accountable<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Holding yourself accountable to everything that happens within the business and demonstrating that accountability is a great way to lead a team. It\u2019s necessary to set a great example for your employees and make accountability a part of your business\u2019s culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, you should give your 100% to the business. It\u2019s really not realistic– and not to mention illogical– to think that by putting in 10%, the outcome will be more than that. When you put in less than your potential, then the outcome will be less than you expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All things considered, adopting a growth mindset will only work if you do it the right way by building a culture where everyone is on board with the right mindset and where it\u2019s always encouraged to embrace improvements, accept failures, and live with a purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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