Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset in the Workplace

It’s not only individuals who fall into the fixed mindset vs. growth mindset categories.  

Companies and organizations can also be inclined towards more traditional or growth mindset strategies in the workplace. 

Gary Warner, a marketing manager at Joloda, provided his perspective on the difference between employees with a growth mindset vs. a fixed mindset. “A growth-oriented employee should be able to see the bigger picture for the business, not only understanding how they have an impact on this but also how the rest of their team fit in. They should be able to adapt and also support others through change. 

The growth-oriented employee will go that extra mile to learn about the business and other businesses within the same industry. They will be looking at ways to influence change in the workplace to help the business stand out. 

In contrast, an employee with a fixed mindset could be considered to be stuck in a rut. They will keep doing what they’ve always done, as it’s served them well so far. They may not be as innovative when it comes to thinking of solutions and are more likely to seek support than give it. 

Having a fixed mindset will reduce an individual’s capacity to progress through the business, as they will likely be focused on the role that they are in without investigating other options available.” 

Employees focused on growth are eager to embrace new challenges and feel enthusiastic about learning new skills.  

They are inspired by others’ success and believe that work ethic and effort are the main drivers of positive outcomes. They follow their passions and dreams. They concentrate on the process that brings success rather than on the result. 

Unlike them, fixed-mind workers tend to be afraid to admit they lack knowledge, thus avoiding taking on new tasks. Therefore, they are inclined to stand by the jobs they know they can perform. Since they don’t think they can develop new skills, they often resort to cheating and deception to present themselves as more intelligent and accomplished. 

Anna Sallows, from Leading Teams, provided another distinction of a fixed vs. growth mindset, emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset at work. She said, “Our team talks about character vs. competence when recruiting people. 
Competence is skills to do the job, and character is how this person will engage with the team and add culture. 
If you only hire for competence, it can breed a culture of fixed mindsets. Everyone is focused on doing their job and doesn’t care how they interact with others or how their team performs. A growth mindset means that someone is willing to learn, grow and develop themselves and others, and it is a key attribute for all team members and leaders.” 

When it comes to companies, a growth-oriented one promotes hard work and resilience over inherent skills. Hence, employees have stronger motivation to be productive.  

In addition, the support that the personnel have for learning and improving skills creates a workforce that is ready to tackle many different challenges. And since workers are empowered to present new ideas, innovation and creativity flourish.  

Broadcast Journalist & PR professional Tony Nicholls believes that titles and seniority are not part of a growth environment. According to him, “Team members simply just rise to the roles and responsibilities they’re keen to do, keen to try or keen to expand into. That’s really exciting. 

I want candidates to remember that growth happens outside of their comfort zone. 

If they think about the role or parts of the role they’re doing really well, they probably were really uncomfortable with doing those things early on. 

That’s how it works. 

Whatever someone feels uncomfortable with right now, whether it’s the new part of their role or the new skill they’re adapting to, they’ll soon nail that. Then there’ll be something new to feel uncomfortable doing because that’s a new skill they’re starting to develop. 

Growth happens outside an employee’s comfort zone, and it’s a good thing because it means they’re expanding, getting better, and building a great career.” 

On the other hand, a business with a fixed mindset creates a culture where employees feel afraid of making mistakes, thus lacking the motivation to take risks. And since such a culture values inborn abilities and pedigrees, the workforce will focus on their inherent skills and repeat doing only what they already know.