Independent Banker - May 2018 - 34

PORTFOLIO
innate talent or they don't; intelligence and the
ability to learn new skills are limited to what one
is born with. People with a growth mindset are
open to expanding their knowledge and developing
their skills, including experiencing failure.
They believe our potential is limitless.
While behavior or personality contribute to a
Leading by Example
By Chris Lorence, ICBA
Get into the
leadership
mindset
ome leaders are extroverted, gregarious
collaborators who buzz around the office like
hummingbirds, spreading positivity and encouragement
while seeming to bring out the best in
everyone. Others may be more demanding or
meticulous, reserved or introverted. Whatever the
behavior or personality, successful leaders typically
have clarity in vision, flexibility in approach
and, above all, mindsets that keep them open to
possibilities and able to learn from their mistakes.
In 2006, Carol Dweck, a professor of psychology
at Stanford University, explored the
importance of mindset and documented her
work in Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.
Her research found that people have one of
two mindsets: fi xed or growth. Those with a fi xed
mindset generally believe that one either has
34 Q ICBA Independent Banker Q May 2018
S
Chris Lorence
(chris.lorence@
icba.org) is ICBA
group executive
vice president-
member
engagement and
strategy
leader's success, their mindset is often what makes
the diff erence in how they lead their organizations.
A growth mindset aligned with leadership opens
the door for challenge, growth and development,
while experiencing failure is accepted as part of
the trajectory. Leaders who embrace a growth
mindset surround themselves with people who
challenge their thinking. They constantly look for
ways to improve and step outside their comfort
zone, and they expect the same from others.
Exceptional leaders understand that team
members not only look for guidance, feedback
and direction but also for indicators of what's
acceptable-the team " norms. " A leader with
a growth mindset who is leading by example
establishes a " norm " that everyone has potential.
This leadership mindset also supports a healthy
environment where development is elevated to a
priority, and success is measured using multiple
factors and not only by the bottom line. Keep in
mind that not everyone on a team will have the
determination or desire to grow beyond their
existing skill sets. However, being given the
opportunity to develop one's potential is certainly
more motivating and energizing than being stuck
in a dead-end or unfulfi lling role.
So, which team would you rather be on? A
team where everyone is challenged to continuously
expand and grow, and failure is simply part
of the learning process, or a team where everyone
is assessed on their current skill set and assigned
a role?
Characteristics of a growth mindset
Q Setting up others to win
Q Encouraging purposeful work/
contributions
Q Maximizing possibilities
Q Motivated for growth and evolution
Q Positive outlook
Q Self-accepting and self-aware
Independent Banker - May 2018

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