Hi, everyone, 

If you follow Leadology on IG, you might have seen my recent post about my favorite growth mindset account for parents and kids, @biglifejournal. 

We’re big believers that a growth mindset is essential for being a courageous leader, whether that’s at home or in the workplace. This week, I’m excited to share some more insights on this topic and a fun growth mindset activity for you to consider.

THE LANGUAGE OF LEADERSHIP

A growth mindset asserts that most of the characteristics that define people are constantly developing, instead of static—so it embraces challenge and failure as opportunities for change and advancement (rather than labeling them as stumbling blocks). In other words? It allows you to turn a difficult situation into an opportunity.

THE WEEKLY FLOURISH

In the wake of COVID-19, closures and quarantines have kept families cooped up, which can seem like a recipe for boredom and frazzled nerves. But by applying a growth mindset, it can actually be reframed as the perfect opportunity to grow together by creating a family manifesto.

 It’s a fun and useful creative project that everyone (minus pets, perhaps) can participate in—a family comes up with a list or paragraph of their values and goals. This activity creates deeper bonds, and helps kids feel like their opinions are valued and they’re engaged in decision-making.

So how exactly do families make one of these manifestos?

Start with a brainstorm, where everyone brings different ideas about shared beliefs. These could be anything from how family members should treat each other (“Be kind”) to what they like to do together (“Laugh often!”). And remember: there are no wrong answers in a brainstorm.

 To support a growth mindset, ideas should focus more on personal development, rather than success. For example, “Always win” could be replaced with “Always try your best;” “Be right” could be replaced with “Be brave.” This will encourage kids to approach new experiences—and constructive criticism—with open minds.

Once everyone agrees on what ideas go in the manifesto, it’s time to get creative. A manifesto should be displayed in a prominent place, but what it looks like is up to the family. Kids (and creative parents) can embrace their artistic sides and make posters themselves, or they can get them professionally printed.

GREATNESS TAKES GUIDANCE

Manifestos are important sources of inspiration—whether you use them in your home or for your business. They help unify, inspire, and serve as reminders of the key values you share for years to come. Armed with a manifesto that voices your values, you can ensure team culture is aligned. To learn even more about leading with a growth mindset, whether it’s as a parent, friend, or coworker, be sure to join the waitlist for Activate, Leadology’s new four-week online manager program. 

This teaches the courage-building skills needed to turn negative situations into positive ones, increase productivity, and strengthen relationships both at work and at home. 

To deeper bonds at home and in the workplace, 

— Carrie and Team Leadology