Restaurant Manager: "Hey Lucia, I've got some great news! It seems customers can't get enough of our food, so we're opening another restaurant! It's going to have a much bigger kitchen and I'd like you to be Head Chef... What's up?"
Lucia: "Um, I'm no leader. I wouldn't know where to start with that role!"
Restaurant Manager: "Ahh, don't panic! It's all about your mindset.
"You seem to believe that your talents, skills and personality are set traits. That's what's called a fixed mindset.
"But think back. Remember when you arrived two years ago without any cooking experience at all? You truly believed that you could, and would, develop your skills and knowledge through hard work, good technique, and help from us.
"That's a growth mindset. And now look at you. So your brain can and does adapt. It changes all the time in fact, with every experience you have.
"Having a growth mindset will help you achieve more and build your confidence and resilience. So, shall we get that growth mindset back?
"The first step is to notice your triggers. A constant growth mindset is ideal, but critical feedback, a significant challenge, or an unexpected setback might bring a fixed mindset back.
"Everyone's triggers are different, so you need to recognize your own.
"Step two is to consciously adopt a growth mindset. Instead of "can't" and "never will," say "not yet."
"You don't know how to cater for 100 people yet. This suggests you might, and will keep you positive and future-focused.
"Step three is to work out what you need to learn or practice. It's a case of trying out different methods and strategies until they work for you, as well as asking other people for support.
"Finally, turn setbacks into great learning opportunities. You aren't going to get everything right first time. You can use mistakes to improve in the future.
"So, Head Chef, what do you say?"
Lucia: "I'd love to take the job, thanks! Having a growth mindset helps me see this challenge as a great learning opportunity. I'm really excited to start!"
Learn more about fixed and growth mindsets in our accompanying article, Dweck's Fixed and Growth Mindsets.
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