4 Examples of Growth Mindset in the Workplace (With Sample Dialogue)
Credit: Ellyce Shulman
Introduction
From time to time, managers have to help their team understand the nuances between fixed and growth mindsets.
The four examples below unravel the intricacies of these mindsets, examining how they manifest in real-life scenarios.
Each scenario offers invaluable insights into cultivating a growth-oriented mindset. Examples covered include:
Giving up easily versus persisting
Ignoring versus learning from criticism
Feeling threatened versus inspired by others' success
Avoiding versus embracing challenges
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Example 1: Giving up easily vs. persisting
Fixed Mindset Dialogue
Kim: Ugh, I've been working on this project for weeks, and it's just not coming together. I think I'm going to give up.
Emma: Really? But we've put so much effort into it already. Maybe we just need to try a different approach or ask for some help.
Kim: I don't know. It just feels like a waste of time. I keep hitting roadblocks, and I'm starting to think I'm just not cut out for this.
Emma: Come on, don't be so hard on yourself. We've faced challenges before, and we always found a solution. Let's take a step back, reassess the situation, and see if there's another way forward. Giving up now would mean all our previous efforts were for nothing.
Growth Mindset Dialogue
Kim: I hit a major roadblock with this project today. It's frustrating—I've been trying to figure it out for hours, but I'm not making any progress.
Emma: That sounds tough, but I know you're capable of overcoming it. What specifically is giving you trouble?
Kim: It's this complex coding issue. I've tried several approaches, but none of them seem to work.
Emma: Well, it sounds like you've been persistent in trying to solve it. That's a good sign. How about we brainstorm together? Maybe a fresh pair of eyes could help us find a solution.
Kim: That sounds like a great idea. Let's give it a shot. Thanks for the support.
Analysis
In the fixed mindset dialogue, Kim quickly becomes discouraged and considers giving up when faced with a challenge. She attributes the struggle to personal inadequacy and is ready to abandon the project.
Conversely, in the growth mindset dialogue, Kim acknowledges the setback but remains open to finding a solution. She exhibits persistence by seeking help and brainstorming alternative approaches with Emma, demonstrating a willingness to learn and grow from the experience. This approach fosters collaboration and problem-solving, ultimately leading to a more productive outcome.
Example 2: Ignoring vs. learning from criticism
Fixed Mindset Dialogue
Colleague A: Hey, I wanted to go over the presentation you gave yesterday. I noticed a few areas where I think we could improve.
Colleague B: Sure, go ahead.
Colleague A: Well, I felt that the data visualization could be clearer, and some of the key points were buried in too much detail. Maybe we could simplify it for better clarity?
Colleague B: Hmm, I don't think that's necessary. I spent a lot of time putting that presentation together, and I think it's fine as it is. Besides, I received positive feedback from some of our team members.
Colleague A: I understand, but I believe incorporating these changes could make the presentation even stronger and more impactful.
Colleague B: I appreciate your input, but I'm confident in my approach. Let's just stick with what we have.
Growth Mindset Dialogue
Colleague A: Hey, I wanted to go over the presentation you gave yesterday. I have some feedback that I think could help improve it.
Colleague B: Of course, I'm always open to feedback. What do you have in mind?
Colleague A: Well, I noticed that the data visualization could be clearer, and some of the key points seemed to get lost in the details. Maybe we could simplify it to enhance clarity and impact?
Colleague B: Thank you for pointing that out. I appreciate your perspective. Can you provide specific examples of where the data visualization could be improved?
Colleague A: Sure, let me show you. I think if we highlight the main takeaways and use more concise visuals, it will make the information easier to digest.
Colleague B: That makes sense. Thank you for your constructive criticism. Let's work together to implement these changes and make the presentation even better.
Analysis
In the first example, Colleague B demonstrates a fixed mindset by ignoring useful negative feedback. Despite suggestions for improvement, they dismiss the feedback and defend their own work, indicating a resistance to criticism and a reluctance to acknowledge areas for growth.
In contrast, in the second example, Colleague B exhibits a growth mindset by actively listening to and learning from criticism. They show openness to feedback, ask clarifying questions, and engage in a collaborative discussion to identify areas for improvement. By embracing feedback and being willing to adapt and make changes, Colleague B demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and improvement, characteristic of a growth mindset.
Example 3: Threatened vs. inspired by others
Fixed Mindset Example
Kim: Did you see the results of the latest project? It seems like Emma's team did exceptionally well.
Emma: Yeah, I saw that. Honestly, it's frustrating. I feel like our team put in just as much effort, if not more, and yet we didn't get the same recognition. It's like no matter what we do, Emma's team always comes out on top. I'm starting to think it's not even worth trying anymore.
Growth Mindset Example
Kim: Did you see the results of the latest project? It seems like Emma's team did exceptionally well.
Emma: Yeah, I noticed that too. But you know what? I'm actually really impressed by what Emma and her team accomplished. Instead of feeling threatened, I think there's a lot we can learn from their success. Maybe we can reach out to Emma and see if there are any strategies or techniques they used that we could implement in our own work.
Analysis
In the fixed mindset dialogue, Emma reacts defensively to the success of Emma's team. She feels threatened and discouraged, attributing Emma's team's success to external factors rather than considering what they could learn from it. This mindset can lead to resentment, decreased motivation, and a reluctance to collaborate with others.
In contrast, in the growth mindset dialogue, Emma responds with curiosity and openness. She acknowledges Emma's team's success without feeling threatened by it and instead sees it as an opportunity for growth and learning. By seeking lessons and inspiration from the success of others, Emma demonstrates resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to improve, ultimately fostering a more positive and productive work environment.
Example 4: Avoid vs. embrace challenges
Fixed Mindset Example
Kim: I don't think we should pursue this new project. It seems too risky, and we might fail. Plus, it's outside of our usual scope of work.
Emma: Yeah, I agree with you, Kim. It's safer to stick to what we're comfortable with. We don't want to waste our time and resources on something that might not work out.
Growth Mindset Example
Kim: I'm actually quite intrigued by this new project. Sure, it's a bit out of our comfort zone, but I think it could be a great opportunity for us to learn and grow.
Emma: I see your point, Kim. It's definitely a challenge, but I believe we have the skills to adapt and make it successful. Let's embrace it as a chance to expand our capabilities and make a positive impact.
Analysis
In the fixed mindset dialogue between Kim and Emma, they both express reluctance towards the new project, citing concerns about risk and staying within their comfort zone. This mindset could limit their willingness to explore new opportunities and potentially hinder their professional growth.
Conversely, in the growth mindset dialogue, Kim and Emma approach the new project with curiosity and optimism. They acknowledge the challenge but are eager to embrace it as an opportunity for learning and development. This mindset fosters a more proactive and adaptable approach, which can lead to greater innovation and success in the long term.
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