Carol Dweck’s research on mindset has focused on how individuals’ beliefs about intelligence and ability shape their behavior, motivation and ultimately their success in a variety of fields, including academics, sports and personal achievement.
She proposed the concept of two mindsets: A fixed mindset and an evolving mindset.
Today, everyone knows what leadership means and how important it is. In this sense, companies now need more leadership skills at all levels.
So when we look at what is the key determinant that leads to leadership skills being more active, we see the amazing way our brains work. It is precisely in this sense that the most important elements of being an effective leader are the thinking processes that we call the way people perceive, understand and interpret life.
In her book Mindset, Carol Dweck, a professor of psychology at Stanford University, talks about two different mindsets that underlie thought systems:
Fixed Mindset and Growth Mindset
The Fixed Mindset believes that intelligence and abilities are genetically acquired traits, while the Learning Mindset believes that intelligence and abilities can be strengthened through study and practice.
Dweck’s research has shown that individuals with a growth mindset tend to have higher levels of motivation, resilience and achievement compared to those with a fixed mindset. They are more likely to embrace challenges, persevere in the face of adversity and achieve their goals. In contrast, those with a fixed mindset may struggle with low motivation, fear of failure and limited personal growth.
A fixed mindset refers to the belief that intelligence, talents and abilities are fixed characteristics that cannot be significantly changed. People with a fixed mindset tend to avoid challenges, shy away from effort and often become discouraged because they see failures as evidence of their own limitations. They may also feel threatened by the success of others and tend to avoid taking risks.
Knowing Mind Structure
- Intelligence and abilities come with the genes and are fixed at a certain level, with no way to move beyond it.
- After a certain age it is very difficult to learn something new.
- This is never the way to do it.
- Mistakes are the worst thing that can happen, and in order not to make mistakes, maybe not to start at all.
- There are only two ways, either this way or that way, there is no other way.
- If there is no result, there is no point in the effort.
- I already know.
- I have to prove how good I am.
- We have to stick to the path we know, we can get lost.
- The glass is half full or half empty.
- Mistakes and failures show my incompetence.
Growth mindset is the belief that intelligence, talents and abilities can be developed and enhanced through dedication, effort and learning from failure.
People with a growth mindset tend to embrace challenges, make efforts and persevere in the face of failures. They see setbacks as opportunities for growth and are more likely to take risks and learn from failure.
Learning Mind Structure
- Intelligence and talents come from study and are strengthened by practice, because human potential is limitless…
- There is no age to learn if one wants to.
- You have to try it and see.
- Mistakes are the best opportunity for learning. After mistakes and setbacks, the main thing is to continue on the road in the light of the lessons learned.
- Under no circumstances can life be limited to only two options, it is always necessary to think about intermediate ways, intermediate solutions and what can be done differently.
- Effort on the spot is always important, it means learning and development, even if it does not lead to results.
- There is so much to learn.
- I have to do my best.
- Trying new and different ways stretches us and leads to innovation.
- It is important to see things in their entirety, not to focus on one part.
- Mistakes and failures are mistakes and failures. It is important to focus on what needs to be done.
Dweck’s work on growth mindset has been widely applied in various educational settings to improve students’ motivation, engagement and academic performance. It has also been applied in sports, business and other fields to foster a culture of continuous learning and development.
Overall, Carol Dweck’s research on growth mindset has had a significant impact on our understanding of human motivation, achievement and personal development. It has inspired many people to adopt a growth mindset and strive for continuous improvement in various aspects of life.
So what is the learning brain structure for effective leadership development?
How can you move on?
In her book Positivity, Professor Barbara Fredrickson talks about the concept of “neuroplasticity” and states that when new habits of thought are developed, the brain adapts to these habits, and no matter what stage of the life cycle the individual is in, they can now move forward with these new habits.
In short, keep improving, keep learning, and use the philosophy of continuous improvement.
You can listen to Professor Carol Dweck’s speech in the video…
