How to build a resilient mindset

To get started on the road to a resilient mindset, Grant says it’s vital for leaders to analyze their sense of purpose — why they show up to work. When a leader is tied to a strong sense of purpose, opportunities and threats become more manageable. Although finding such purpose is critical, it’s easy to forget when times get rocky. According to Grant’s research, the brain normally runs on autopilot while its working memory makes usual decisions under regular circumstances. But this can be overcome with the right tools.

When leaders embrace a growth mindset, it ripples throughout the organization. When everyone feels welcome, the potential positive impact is far-reaching. Reinforcing collective purpose and individual self-worth fosters team-wide resilience. Key actions leaders can take are to implement diversity at every level in the organization, ensure all team members feel validated, and encourage a realistic, yet positive, mindset when facing uncertainty. “You can build a resilient culture in an organization by laying foundations for psychological safety and encouraging a ‘culture of growth’ mindset, where people feel the company believes in their ability to develop and grow,” says Grant. “Leaders should make everyone feel validated, feel safe to make mistakes, feel safe to speak up. Everyone should feel safe to be their authentic selves when they come to work each day.”

Diverse teams that feel engaged and included are: