Developing a Change Mindset

We sometimes think of change as something that happens to us, an external force which we respond to. But at a recent entrepreneur graduation ceremony at GIBS Business School the keynote speaker said something that resonated; “We need a generation of wind capturers because we can’t alter the winds of change.” In other words, we can pre-empt change, be change makers, and in the famous words of Mahatma Gandhi, “’Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

 “With a fixed mindset, you believe you are who you are and you cannot change.” Travis Bradberry

 Why are certain people more successful than others, even when they have the same skills? A lot of it has to do with the way we perceive ourselves. In a podcast on Harvard Business Review called The Right Mindset for Success, Carol Dweck, professor and author, talks about the danger of a fixed mindset – of how you can develop an idea of your (successful) self and this creates fear of venturing out of your comfort zone.

“The universe rewards action.”  Sheridan Jobbins

So how do we ensure we’re brave enough to take risks and grow our strengths? To create a change or growth mindset it helps to look at business decisions not as successes or failures, but as a process. Viewed this way, whatever the short term outcomes are, the long term business goal is to keep refining the process. That way you don’t fall back in to the comfort zone of “success”, or experience the negativity of a bad business outcome.

Another way to keep your change mindset “engaged” is to find a mentor who challenges you; someone who can give you unbiased feedback on your business process. A strong leader or mentor leadership will also help you focus on evaluating your career path.

In a hugely competitive and swiftly changing world, now more than ever, it’s critical to develop a change mindset. With this long term perspective you can build flexibility and agility in your business. Business is all about managing change – so as an entrepreneur keep asking yourself, are you open to a life of transformation?

Email: nokwazi@rocketpad.co.za

Matoyana is passionate about creating and supporting sustainable entrepreneurs on the African continent. Since 2013 Matoyana has interacted with over 1000 entrepreneurs though various projects and initiatives. We provide personalised support which is tailored to meet our client’s business needs.

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