THE LEADER’S MINDSET
Bobby Ghisolfo, VP of Mission Services
Years ago, as I began my journey in the workforce, I had no clue what the difference was between a manager and a leader. Over the years, I have come to realize that there are many distinct differences between the two – one of the most profound differences being mindset. You may ask yourself, “What does that have to do with being a manager or leader?” In my mind, everything. In this article, I am going to speak about eight mindsets that reflect either a leader or manager mindset. As you are reading, make a determination as to what mindset you normally fall into.
Fixed Vs. Growth
The first two mindsets are fixed vs. growth. With a fixed mindset, there is a belief that people (including the person with the mindset) can’t change or develop their abilities, talents, and intelligence. Growth mindsets are the complete opposite. Those with a growth mindset believe that we can change or develop our abilities, talents, and intelligence. One of the biggest issues about an individual having a fixed mindset is that they seek to avoid failure. This is because, to them, failure means that they are a failure. Those with a fixed mindset primarily focus on things that come easily or naturally to them, and they have a tendency to give up when the going gets tough. Growth mindsets are primarily focused on learning and growing. This type of mindset embraces challenges and sees failures as an opportunity to learn and grow. Leader = Growth, Manager = Fixed
Closed Vs. Open
The next set of mindsets are those with a closed or open approach. Managers with a closed approach are closed to the ideas and suggestions of others. In contrast, leaders with an open approach are willing to take others’ ideas and suggestions seriously. Simply put, leaders know they do not know everything. They are open to hearing all ideas on how to accomplish a certain task or ways of overcoming a challenge. The key to an open approach mindset is that you actually take into consideration all ideas from those around you; co-workers, direct reports, supervisor/manager, etc. Leader = Open, Manager = Closed
Prevention Vs. Promotion
The third set of mindsets that I would like to compare and contrast are prevention and promotion. The prevention mindset focuses on not losing, and the promotion mindset focuses on winning and gains. Individuals with a prevention mindset are like a ship captain whose primary objective is to not sink. When this is the objective, he or she focuses on limiting risk and not “rocking the boat” (i.e., maintaining the status quo). Leaders with a promotion mindset are like a ship captain whose primary objective is to get to a specific destination. As such, the leader anticipates problems, sees risk as being necessary to reach the destination, and is willing to adjust operations to reach the destination. Leader = Promotion, Manager = Prevention
Inward Vs. Outward
The final mindsets are Inward and Outward. An inward mindset sees others as objects, whereas an outward mindset sees others as people and values them as such. When leaders have an inward mindset, they see themselves as being more important than others are and buy into the notion that “my title makes me better than you”. In addition, when something goes wrong – they place the blame on others. When leaders have an outward mindset, they believe others are just as important, if not more important, than themselves. When something goes wrong, they ask, “How did my leadership contribute to this task or direction not being as successful as it should have been?” At times, this is a very challenging question to ask ourselves, but it is essential to take ownership on all fronts. Leader = Inward, Manager = Outward
Growth, open, promotion, and outward are only small pieces in a much larger puzzle to being a well-rounded leader. These four areas are not a destination, but a journey that we all must continue on if we want to be the most effective leader to the Organization and those that we work with. I encourage you to rate yourself in each one of these areas, regardless if you are or are not in a position of leadership. If we are lacking in any one of them, it is time we put a plan together to improve and be the best leader we can be.
