Encouraging a Growth Mindset to Help Lead Change

In her 2006 book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Carol Dweck describes two mindsets—fixed and growth—and the effects these mindsets have on the way people approach change. People with a fixed mindset tend to focus on indicators or outward appearance of competence, while those with a growth mindset tend to focus on learning through hard work and trial and error. These mindsets are on a continuum, and individuals may exhibit different mindsets in different areas of their lives.