Growth Mindset: Are You Really All In?

The Impact of Lifelong Learning and How to Spot Genuine Commitment in Your Team

May 3, 2023

🚀 DEVELOP: Unleashing Potential

Are you striving to unlock your full potential and become a more effective leader or professional? If so, you're not alone. The importance of regular professional development cannot be overstated, especially for new team leaders. In this newsletter, we'll dive into the reasons why regular professional development is essential and explore thought-provoking questions to assess commitment to a growth mindset.

Why Regular Professional Development is Essential

“In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.” —Carol Dweck.

Simply, professional development can be the rocket-fuel behind a growth mindset. Other reasons include:

Staying relevant in a dynamic world: With technological advancements and evolving market trends, it's crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest tools and methodologies. Investing time in training helps you and your team adapt to the ever-changing landscape, ensuring that you're always equipped to handle new challenges.
Fostering innovation: Regular training encourages a culture of continuous learning and improvement, sparking innovation in your team. When you expose yourself to new ideas, you're more likely to think creatively and find better solutions to the problems you face.
Boosting employee engagement and morale: When team members feel supported in their professional growth, they're more likely to feel engaged and motivated at work. This contributes to a positive working environment and higher employee retention rates.
Improving decision-making: As you gain more knowledge and experience through training, you become better equipped to make informed decisions. This can lead to more effective strategies and better results for your team and organization.
Enhancing your leadership skills: By actively participating in professional development, you're setting an example for your team, demonstrating that you value growth and improvement. This fosters trust and respect, making you a more effective leader.

However, as we strive to cultivate a growth mindset in ourselves and our teams, it's crucial to determine whether individuals are genuinely committed to their own personal and professional development.

Assessing True Commitment to a Growth Mindset: The Litmus Test*

One way to assess this commitment is by asking thought-provoking questions that reveal their attitude towards learning and self-improvement. The answers to these questions can provide valuable insights into how they approach challenges, their dedication to continuous learning, and their long-term commitment to growth.

"What was the last thing you learned?"
This question prompts candidates to reflect on their recent experiences and demonstrate their curiosity and willingness to learn. Their answer can provide insights into their interests and how they approach new challenges. A detailed response indicates that they're not only learning but also actively reflecting on and applying new knowledge.
"When was the last time you attended formal training?"
Asking about their most recent training experiences can give you an idea of how actively they pursue development opportunities. A history of regular training shows that they are committed to updating their skills and staying relevant in their field.
"How do you keep yourself updated with industry trends?"
This question encourages candidates to share the methods and resources they use to stay informed about their industry. Their answer can reveal their dedication to continuous learning and staying relevant in their field. A proactive approach to staying updated demonstrates a genuine interest in their work and a strong commitment to improvement.
"What skills or knowledge do you plan to acquire in the next year?"
Asking about their future learning goals helps you assess their long-term commitment to growth and development. A candidate with clear learning objectives and a well-thought-out plan for professional growth is more likely to be genuinely committed to a growth mindset.

*Side note: you can also use these questions to assess your manager or when you’re interviewing for new roles. A good litmus test to assess a company’s “culture”.

Lifelong learners are the key to sustained success

By surrounding yourself with individuals who genuinely embrace a growth mindset and are committed to their own development, you can drive innovation, enhance team performance, and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

But this doesn’t happen by accident. It must be deliberate.

As new team leaders, you’ll need the courage, conviction, and capital to make professional development a priority. Whether it's through formal training, workshops, or self-directed learning, make a conscious effort to prioritize growth and development for yourself and your team.

The journey of professional development is ongoing. As the business landscape and technologies evolve, it's vital to stay up-to-date and adapt to new trends.

Cultivating a growth mindset and prioritizing regular professional development are essential components of success in today's dynamic world. By nurturing your skills, staying relevant, and fostering a learning culture, you'll unlock your full potential as a leader and professional.