Episode 09: Growth Mindset
Moving from Goal Setting to Growth Mindset: A Leadership Transformation
One of the multiple lessons I’ve gleaned from leadership and management training is the importance of goals. Goal setting is important! Yet, the shift from traditional goal setting to embracing a growth mindset has become imperative for long-term success. Leaders who prioritize continuous learning and development not only foster personal growth but also inspire and drive transformation within their teams and organizations. This blog post delves into the benefits of shifting from the practice of goal setting to a focus on growth and development.
Understanding the Growth Mindset:
Carol Dweck, in her groundbreaking work on the Growth Mindset, explores the idea that individuals can develop their abilities through dedication, hard work, and learning. Leaders who adopt a growth mindset perceive challenges as opportunities for learning rather than obstacles. This shift in perspective enables them to embrace change, persist in the face of setbacks, and ultimately achieve higher levels of success. This is of increased significance for today’s leaders who seek to grow while navigating complex challenges.
Leadershift: The Essential Changes for Growth:
John Maxwell's 2019 bestseller, "Leadershift: The 11 Essential Changes Every Leader Must Embrace," emphasizes the crucial changes leaders must embrace to navigate the complexities of the modern world. As I engage with new and emerging leaders in our organization, the skill of moving from goal attainment to a focus on growth takes on significance. While we still encourage the practice of goal setting and attainment, we also reinforce that the journey to becoming a leader focused on growth requires a focus on embracing change, maintaining a passion for learning, adapting a mentality that embraces failure, maintaining humility while believing unapologetically in yourself as you navigate the messy world of change.
Troy School District's Journey to World Class:
In the Troy School District, we are committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. This is demonstrated in multiple ways, including being rooted in our core values and woven into our strategic plan. We believe in the importance of focus, or rather, doing a few things better than everyone else. We believe our work is best done collaboratively and, finally, that deep learning is important and is not just for our students. Therefore, teachers, staff, and administrators are challenged to lean into their own learning and growth. This is no more important than as we think about helping grow our leaders. Through co-learning, we challenge one another to be better and grow together forward.
Conclusion
Moving from goal setting to a growth mindset is a transformative journey that leaders must embark on to navigate the challenges of the contemporary leadership landscape. Drawing insights from Carol Dweck's Growth Mindset and John Maxwell's "Leadershift," leaders can develop the skills necessary to foster personal and organizational growth. The success of the Troy School District serves as a testament to the tangible benefits of prioritizing growth, not just in achieving academic excellence, but also in driving positive change across the entire organization.