Submitted by Tyke Crowley on
Are you a leader in your life? If so, then you must have this one trait.
While there are many traits of leaders and achievers, one characteristic is inevitably more important than intelligence, heart, willpower or natural abilities. The critical skill is an open mindset.
Mindset, which is another term for beliefs, are the unconscious frameworks we rely upon to problem solving, to react and to set goals. (For more on the power of beliefs, check out: Behind the Question: Can You Draw?) According to Carol Dweck’s book, Mindset, people have either open or fixed mindsets. An open mindset is when you believe a skill or goal is derived through a process; whereas a fixed mindset believes that such things are a natural, innate talent. As a leader of a team, business or family, you need to create and nurture an open mindset in yourself and in others, which empowers their beliefs by connecting their Rider and Elephant. Arthur Ashe, three-time Grand Slam holder in tennis, captures the importance of an open mindset, “Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.”
Start fostering the trait of an open mindset in you by learning how to enjoy the journey. Encourage an open mindset in others, especially children, by praising them not for their achievement, but for their dedicated, sustained effort.
As always, I wish you the best to make each day count!~Tyke
PS. What is this about a Rider and Elephant? Let’s figure it out next time.