💡 \"Lightbulb Moments\" - The overlooked 'other' side of growth

We all know about Growth Mindset – believing in our own ability to learn and develop. But there's another side to it that's vital for anyone who leads or coaches: the External Growth Mindset.

This is about applying that same belief in potential and change to others. If we, as leaders or coaches, don't genuinely believe our team members or clients can grow, our coaching hits a wall. It's the foundation of a true coaching mindset.

Internal Fixed Mindset (Self): "I'm just not good at this." Avoids challenges.

Internal Growth Mindset (Self): "I can learn this with effort." Embraces learning.

Now, let's apply this externally:

External Fixed Mindset (Others): "He'll never change." "This team is just stuck." This limits others and breeds cynicism. If you think, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" about a colleague, that's this mindset in action.

External Growth Mindset (Others): "She's struggling, but with the right support, she can develop." This opens doors. It’s believing they can evolve.

Why is this External Growth Mindset so critical for coaching?

Simply put, if you don't believe someone can change or find their own solutions, you can't truly coach them. Your attempts will feel off, or you'll just end up telling them what to do. Your underlying belief (or lack thereof) always shines through.

A Quick Reality Check: Does this mean believing everyone will magically transform if we just believe hard enough, even if they're a poor fit for a role despite support? 

No. 

An external growth mindset also means recognizing when a different path might be where someone can genuinely flourish. It's about fostering potential where it truly exists.

I often see leaders who champion an internal growth mindset for themselves but unconsciously slip into a fixed mindset about others, for example certain team members. If you approach a struggling team member thinking, "They're hopeless," that belief will sabotage any coaching attempt. 

But if you go in believing, "We can learn from this setback, and I believe they can find a way," it transforms the conversation.

The Lightbulb Moment 

The growth mindset isn't just for your development. It’s how you view others. For leaders and coaches, an External Growth Mindset is non-negotiable, in my view. It shifts your focus from "problems" to "possibilities."