Mindset by Carol Dweck

I am just finishing Mindset by Carol Dweck, Ph.D.  Great book!  A must read for parents, teachers, coaches, executives, friends, couples, leaders, those who face challenges ... well, that pretty much covers everyone, doesn't it?  Dr. Dweck's terminology has evolved to using short, Anglo-Saxon words to describe her constructs.  There is the "growth" mindset and the "fixed" mindset.  In some of her academic pieces,  these are called "incremental" and "entity" theories (sometimes, "naive theories"). 

Here are the basics:

A "fixed" mindset focuses on "abilities" or "traits."  In academics, this mindset promotes the belief that one either is or is not smart, that a "smart" person does not have to work to master material, and that failure, rather than being a signal for greater effort or better strategies, is a signal of lack of intelligence.  As a result, those with a fixed mindset avoid challenges and decrease effort after setbacks.  In athletics, the fixed mindset focuses on "natural ability."  In relationships, the focus becomes "fit" and "mind reading."  In business, it leads to leadership based on intimidation and a need to prove how "smart' the leader is.

A growth mindset, on the other hand, takes setbacks and challenges as signals of an opportunity to learn.  In academics, an individual with a "growth" mindset is willing to try difficult subjects and continue to work toward mastery.  This is NOT about those who lack  ability needing to work  more.  It is about those with equal amounts of whatever the genetic component of intelligence is getting very different results in things such as organic chemistry based on their mindset.

In athletics, the growth mindset translates into someone able to handle setbacks and yet continue to perform in that moment and to go on to practice and develop better skills for the future.  In relationships, growth equals bouncing back from hurtful to have your brothers and been willing to work at developing a relationship over time.  Finally, in business, the growth-minded leader develops the skills and capabilities of others in the organization and allows them to make great contributions.

I know I'm inspired to strive to operate more out of  a "growth" mindset in all areas of my life.  I suspect you will be also.

Comments

[Al Nye]

Dave, thanks for the additional insight about Mindset.

Al