Authored by: Garrick Throckmorton

Internet search volumes and trends provide a view into what people are finding interesting. You can visualize the frequency, time, and location of where search terms are used around the world and see the collective curiosities of mankind! Recently, we were curious to know how searches for the practice “growth mindset” have changed over time. We found the use of this search term has indeed increased substantially over the past 5 years as research has validated the clear advantages of having a growth mindset, versus a fixed mindset. Consider that in October 2015, this term was searched 22,000 times (typical for 2015) on Google. Since that point search volumes are 2-3x higher on an annual basis!

Our theory is that search engine curiosity has followed research validating the importance of having a growth mindset. Validation through research has simply driven an increased appetite for understanding this practice by the general public. What is a growth mindset? Why does having a growth mindset matter? How can I develop a growth mindset?

In the same manner, our Suite of Tools and performance libraries were built by always following the research. Each of our roles and practices were included if proven to drive effectiveness at a particular level. If a term was popular, but not supported by research, it was excluded. So what is a growth mindset, and why does it matter?

Simply stated, a growth mindset expects success. It sees a positive ROI in person, team, and enterprise growth and development. When failure occurs, those with a growth mindset see it as an opportunity that paves new roads to success. It includes optimism, grit, and openness. As a leader in an organization, having a growth mindset can be absolutely vital. We are leading in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous business environment. These VUCA elements alone demonstrate that a leader who develops a growth mindset has the ability see each shift in the environment as an opportunity. They are able to more effectively lead others through change as a result, and build a level of trust in their relative (compared to fixed mindsets) comfort operating in this VUCA business landscape.

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