Can a Growth Mindset Have Blind Spots?

After many years in my career as a leader, I realized something uncomfortable. I only had a growth mindset when it felt safe. Hard to admit, but true.

I've always considered myself a learner. It's what drew me to market research. There is a constant discovery in doing research that means staying curious, exploring new industries and consumer insights.

However, when conversations made me feel vulnerable, I avoided asking the tough questions. I didn't always want to hear the feedback (even though I thought I did). I learned that I was competing with others instead of learning from them and THAT WAS QUITE THE REVELATION.

The Shift Started with Structure in 2017

When we implemented EOS® (Entrepreneurial Operating System®) with Leonard Lynskey, those tough conversations became part of our weekly format. Leadership meetings, department meetings, and Visionary/Integrator meetings had the difficult discussions built into the system we adopted. That consistency opened doors to more growth. with Leonard Lynskey, those tough conversations became part of our weekly format. Leadership meetings, department meetings, and Visionary/Integrator meetings had the difficult discussions built into the system we adopted. That consistency opened doors to more growth.

Then Came the Personal Breakthrough

There was a keynote speaker at a conference I attended for female integrators/COOs about one person's journey to a growth mindset. (HERverse) She referenced a well-known book, Mindset by Carol Dweck. Many of you probably know this book.

For me, it was the first time hearing about it.

I bought it, and I devoured it. Underlined passages. Even shed a few tears.

The transformation meant that…

• The constant pressure to have all the answers lifted
• Team meetings became more productive
• Client interactions improved
• My moderating skillset deepened

What Changed

• My fixed mindset was unknowingly holding me back. Leaning in to curiosity (even if uncomfortable) set me free.
• I started showing up fully present, not to compete but to learn
• Questions became pathways for growth, not admissions of weakness

Being vulnerable as a tool to learn became something I enjoy, and it gave my team permission to show up the same way (there was a ripple effect). We could see a shift in our organization from needing to prove (always being the authority) to understanding we could always get better and learn from others.

This is still a work in progress, and I'm enjoying the journey.

Anyone else tackled this? What's helped you shift from proving to improving? Fixed to growth mindset?