Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Carol S. Dweck. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Ballantine Books, 2008. 288 pages.

Author
A professor at Stanford - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_Dweck

Benefit
Dweck focuses on two opposing mindsets: fixed and growth. The underlying principles are very simple, but the applications are life-changing. The fixed mindset is a perspective that embraces the idea that talent, intelligence, and personalities are stagnant—they never really change and don't need to be (or cannot) developed. The growth mindset recognizes the need for development. These are very basic ideas that are easy to understand—but these mindsets define the way that we approach very significant challenges in life, and Dweck demonstrates that the growth mindset is far more beneficial.

The fixed mindset is not prepared to face new challenges. When someone with a fixed mindset is unsuccessful, it is a negative reflection on their character—it is an opportunity for humiliation. Because of this, CEOs may have become successful doing things their way, affirming their talent and intellect, but implode when they fail. CEOs with a fixed mindset rule their companies with an iron fist and surround themselves with worshippers and people who are afraid to speak their minds—such companies have been unable to compete in the changing marketplace. The growth mindset, however, embraces challenge and recognizes the contribution and worth of employees.