DREIESKIVA​|Roald Kvam

The mindset of a leader significantly influences both the behavior and self-perception of their employees. Understanding the beliefs that shape a leader’s self-image is essential for fostering a positive and resilient workplace. Carol Dweck’s (2016) distinction between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset provides a useful framework for leaders to reflect on their approach to leadership.

By examining their personal mindset, leaders can assess how their attitudes impact employee resilience and the long-term sustainability of the organization. A growth-oriented mindset fosters adaptability, innovation, and collaboration, while a fixed mindset can create stagnation and disengagement.

Let’s explore…

Fixed vs. Growth Mindset in Leadership

Leaders with a Fixed Mindset	Leaders with a Growth Mindset
Believe that some people are naturally better than others.	Believe in continuous development—for themselves and their employees.
Feel the need to constantly prove their own superiority.	Strive for ongoing improvement.
Use the organization as a stage for self-promotion.	View the company as an opportunity for personal and team growth.
Make others feel small to boost their own status.	Support employees by listening, encouraging, and rewarding their efforts.
Have an insatiable ego, which can harm the organization.	Analyze their own mistakes and weaknesses to foster development.
Refuse to acknowledge mistakes, seeing criticism as a personal attack.	Embrace constructive feedback and different perspectives.
Increase their sense of power at the expense of employees.	Create an environment that promotes learning, creativity, and innovation.
Punish mistakes and dissenting opinions.	See mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow.
Fear competition and seek to remain irreplaceable.	Lead with the philosophy: “I make myself replaceable.”
Stifle creativity and enthusiasm.	Encourage curiosity and openness to new experiences.
Resist change and avoid learning.	Constantly seek new learning opportunities.

Assessing the Current Mindset

Check the statements you identify with:
✔ I believe in my own ability to grow, as well as that of my employees.
✔ I actively seek to improve myself.
✔ I am confident in my ability to succeed.
✔ I frequently ask questions and am open to difficult answers.
✔ I view my company as a space for both personal and team growth.
✔ I reflect on my mistakes and consider what skills I need for the future.
✔ I support my employees’ development through encouragement and feedback.
✔ I see mistakes as learning opportunities and value diverse perspectives.
✔ I lead with the philosophy: “I make myself replaceable.”
✔ I foster an environment that supports learning, creativity, and innovation.
✔ I take advantage of learning opportunities and am open to new ideas.

If you check several of these statements you demonstrate a growth-oriented mindset. With fewer checks you may have fixed mindset tendencies. This self-assessment serves as a foundation for the next step: strategies for developing a more dynamic mindset.

Shifting to a Growth Mindset

To develop a more resilient and adaptable mindset, you should consider the following strategies:

1. Reframe Challenges as Learning Opportunities

Rather than seeing difficult tasks as obstacles, view them as chances to grow and improve. Adopt the mindset:

«You never lose—either you win or you learn.»

2. Redefine Success and Failure

Success should not be defined solely by whether a goal is met. Instead, recognize and celebrate effort, persistence, and progress, regardless of the outcome. Adopt the mindset:

«Don’t just be proud of the success itself—be proud that you tried your best.»

3. Learn from Role Models

Successful individuals were not always at the top—they struggled, failed, and persevered. Their achievements are the result of continuous learning and commitment.

4. Embrace the Power of ‘Yet’

Instead of saying, «I can’t do this,» add a simple word: «Yet.» For example, transform «I can’t speak in public» into «I can’t speak in public yet—but I will learn.»

5. Recognize Your Own Growth

Regularly reflect on past achievements and challenges you have overcome. Appreciate your progress and resilience.

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By adopting these strategies, leaders can cultivate a dynamic mindset that benefits not only their personal growth but also the resilience and success of their team and organization.