I would also suggest, if we look hard enough, there are many more amongst us that have a latent growth mindset than we may believe. Because we don’t see it in our busy world does not mean it does not exist. Many colleagues have the potential, it is the responsibility of leadership to unlock that potential and set it free – through the creation of an environment when all can meet the potential they have within them.

The role of hashtag#leadership is crucial in this respect. We cannot simply expect people to walk forward because we want them to – human spirit is a far more complex entity

An environment of growth means we will be pushing boundaries and inevitably taking some level of personal risk. We will never reach for the highest branches of performance if we feel that we stand over a great trap door or an environment of toxicity and blame.

So what a hashtag#leader does in creating the cultural conditions associated to growth is absolutely essential. They must carefully consider how they are going to operate on a day to day basis to ensure that those around them can unlock there true potential.

The considerations and challenges a leader must embrace are captured in the attached infographic. They must.

– Start by creating an environment of emotional safety where colleagues feel that whilst they may be challenged, they will also be supported and understood.

– Embrace the status of imperfection- not as a negative principle….. but as a postive opportunity to lean and grow. As Lombardi encouraged, “getting knocked down does not matter, how we get up is what counts!”

– Value performance before results and adopt the words of the great Bill Walsh that “The scoreboard will take care of itself!”

– Choose carefully what you reward and recognise. Especially valuing the behaviours of innovation and creativity above all else.

Growth is not a given ….. just because people possess the potential does not mean it will
materialise. The responsibility of great leadership is to inspire its delivery through the conditions that allow it to take hold both individually and collectively.

It is also a fragile state – subject to many factors – so a continuous approach of reviewing and checking those conditions remain in place is essential.

When this environment is delivered….. And is importantly sustained over a protected period of time, then the impact on peope is huge. We create a culture where not only is the potential in these individuals released – but the impact on others is contagious, and a virtuous cycle of improvement and self determination is realised.

To generate a culture of growth and self improvement is ultimately one of the highest callings of leadership – easy? no!, worth the effort? Every second of it!