At Understood, we believe in the power of growth. Our training programmes are built on the belief that growth and development are key to success.

One of the most compelling ideas that supports this belief comes from psychologist Carol Dweck’s book, Mindset. Dweck explains that how we view our abilities—whether as fixed or as something we can develop—can shape our success, relationships, and overall happiness.

But as Dweck has pointed out, the popularity of the “growth mindset” has led to some misunderstandings. Embracing a growth mindset is about more than simply being open to change or putting in effort. It’s about cultivating a mindset that supports genuine learning and continuous improvement.

What a ‘growth’ mindset really means

A true growth mindset is the belief that talents and abilities can be developed through hard work, the right strategies, and input from others. People with a growth mindset tend to achieve more because they focus on learning, not just on looking smart.

Growth mindset individuals believe they can develop their abilities through:

• Hard work
• Effective strategies
• Feedback from others

Companies that adopt a growth mindset see:

• Higher employee empowerment
• Greater collaboration and innovation

In contrast, fixed-mindset environments tend to foster:

• Unhealthy competition
• Dishonesty
• Fear of failure

One key misconception is that having a growth mindset is simply about praising effort. While effort is important, it’s critical to reward progress, learning, and smart strategies. A true growth mindset focuses on outcomes driven by meaningful learning processes, not just effort.

Fixed vs Growth

People with a fixed mindset believe their abilities are set in stone. This often leads to avoiding challenges and fearing failure, which can stifle personal and professional development.

Fixed mindset individuals may:

• Avoid challenges
• Fear failure as a reflection of their limitations
• Focus on proving their abilities rather than learning

Growth mindset individuals:

• Embrace challenges as learning opportunities
• Believe improvement is possible with effort, reflection, and persistence
• Are more likely to seek feedback and collaborate at work

Companies that foster a growth mindset support risk-taking and learning from failures. This mindset allows employees to grow and innovate, even if success is not immediate.

Promoting a growth mindset culture

A growth mindset is more than just a buzzword or a mission statement. Organisations that truly embody a growth mindset create environments where learning is prioritised, and employees feel safe to take risks without fear of failure.

Key features of a growth mindset culture include:

• Rewarding lessons learned, not just successes
• Encouraging risk-taking and innovation
• Providing professional development opportunities
• Promoting collaboration over competition

Workplaces that emphasise natural talent or immediate results often trigger a fixed mindset. This discourages employees from sharing ideas or admitting mistakes. In contrast, a growth mindset environment encourages continuous learning and the pursuit of long-term improvement.

Can we change our mindset?

The good news is that mindsets can evolve. While we may fall back into fixed-mindset thinking when faced with criticism or failure, it’s possible to shift toward a growth mindset through self-awareness and practice.

Steps to change your mindset:

1. Identify your fixed-mindset triggers
2. Recognise moments when you feel defensive or threatened
3. Reframe these moments as opportunities for growth

At Understood, we believe in the power of a growth mindset. Whether in your personal life or professional journey, embracing a mindset that values learning, effort, and development will help us to unlock our potential and continue to grow.