Growth mindset vs. fixed mindset

Fostering a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset can be a valuable tool in combating unconscious bias.  A growth mindset views skills as acquirable and recognises that with the right resources, practice, and support, people can improve and become adept at pretty much anything. A fixed mindset incorrectly assumes that skills and talents are innate: that people are either born with a particular talent or they are not.

When viewed through the lens of a growth mindset, areas where employees could improve their performance are simply seen as areas for improvement and potential targets for training, mentoring or coaching, rather than stereotype confirming “poor performance”