How mindsets influence leadership styles

- A mindset is a set of assumptions, methods, or notions held by one or more people. In psychology, mindsets are considered as deep and rooted beliefs. In fact, a mindset may be so firmly established that it can create a powerful incentive to continue accepting or adopting a behavior. That's what was happening within the organization of VW. A mindset comes about in a variety of ways. Let me try to explain how. So we all come to life with unique genetic makeups. We have different aptitudes, capabilities, capacities. That's biodiversity, it's given. From there, we have exposure to different early experiences that shape the way we see the world in front of us. Therefore, there is nature, nurture, genes, and the environment that goes into our mindset formation. Now, here's the catch though, depending on the kind of mindset we are in, we can demonstrate a different set of leadership styles that can impact the kind of climate we present for others. So, for example, when we carry a mindset of action, we self-identify with the outcome of that action, focusing on getting immediate results. So running into potential challenges on the way to our projected outcome can diminish self-esteem. We may see things as a threat or look for someone to blame. This can create a climate of fear for others. Whereas if we carry a mindset of long-term impact, we become able to see the occasion separate from self, acknowledge the shortcomings in the environment, and create space for a conversation. This on the contrary, can create an atmosphere of support for others. So mindset really acts like a trigger for how we may feel, think, and behave, truly impacting how we project our leadership into the world. Our research shows being in a positive mindset can enhance the leadership experience and collective productivity at an organizational level. This is a simple and yet very powerful way of looking into potential inside our future organizations.