As a consultant, you probably don't need to be reminded about the hectic, constantly changing world of work and the importance of being adaptable, curious, and open to feedback. All of these things contribute to creating what is known as a ‘growth mindset’. But what does a growth mindset mean? Find the answer here!
‘Developing mindset’ vs. ‘fixed mindset’
Firstly, it is difficult to talk about a developing mindset without mentioning Carol S. Dweck, who wrote a book on the subject in 2006 entitled Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.
Her central premise is: “It's not always the people who start out the smartest who end up being the smartest.” Dweck talks about two mindsets: The developing mindset believes that our competencies and qualities are the product of our efforts, which we can develop and nurture.
The fixed mindset, on the other hand, assumes that these are static and unchanging throughout our lives. It is clear that a growth mindset is the key to professional and personal development, while also avoiding the risk of stagnation. Dweck also believes that we are all capable of this, so if you are ready to develop your mindset, read on.
Mistakes are part of the learning process
We are all guilty of only appreciating our successes. They are what we want to celebrate or tell our friends about. But if success is yin, then failure is yang – one cannot exist without the other.
Next time you get a consulting role you really wanted, think about how you got there. Think about some situations where you weren't as successful – failing is an important part of achieving success. Failing isn't fun, but those with a growth mindset won't see it as something negative. Instead, they see it as a form of learning and an opportunity for growth.
Get out of your comfort zone
Another aspect of a growth mindset is doing things where you're not entirely sure how to do the job.
As a consultant, you try new tasks in a new workplace, sometimes far outside your comfort zone. Personal development, like almost everything else worth achieving in life, takes time and effort, but it can be achieved by facing challenges and succeeding at them.
Every day is a school day
Whether you recently (or long ago) completed your education, always remember that the end of your education is not the end of learning.
Technology changes, processes are streamlined, KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) increase – but regardless of the change, lifelong learning is the key to development.
It could be a colleague showing you a time-saving hack, YouTube tutorials, formal courses at your workplace, or simply keeping up to date with the latest industry trends on LinkedIn – don't forget that it's all learning. The more you can use it in your work, the more effective you are likely to become.
Read also: Tips for better time management at work
Are you interested in developing your mindset even further? Here is a quick guide in 7 steps to increase your developmental mindset:
1. Acknowledge and embrace imperfection
We all have our flaws and quirks—our imperfections. What are yours? Embrace your imperfections and use them to your advantage.
2. Face your challenges with courage
If you find yourself feeling afraid or uncertain in a challenging situation, stop and turn the situation around in your mind. Look at the challenge as an opportunity, and you will gain a new perspective that will make it easier to tackle the task.
3. Be aware of your thought patterns
Start thinking about what you say and think. If you speak and think negatively about yourself and what you do, the result will reflect that.
4. Trust yourself
Unnecessary pursuit of recognition can sometimes prevent a developing mindset. Instead, cultivate self-acceptance rather than self-criticism. Learn to trust yourself!
5. Be authentic
Pretending to be someone you are not is disrespectful to yourself. Becoming completely authentic and true to yourself is a process that takes time and energy and requires you to work on yourself.
6. Find your purpose
Is your life driven by a purpose? If so, put that purpose into words. If you don't have an answer, work on finding your place and purpose in life.
7. Turn criticism into something positive
The purpose of criticism is to make things better!