What do you do if your educational team is resistant to a growth mindset when receiving feedback?

1 Embrace Empathy

When faced with resistance, it's vital to step into the shoes of your educational team members. Recognize that change can be intimidating, and the idea of a growth mindset might be new or misunderstood. Start by having open conversations about their apprehensions. Listen actively and validate their feelings. This empathetic approach can break down barriers and build trust, making them more receptive to adopting a growth mindset when it comes to feedback and learning.

2 Set Examples

To inspire your team, lead by example. Demonstrate what a growth mindset looks like in practice by seeking out feedback for yourself and responding to it positively. Share your learning experiences, especially how you've overcome challenges or failures. Seeing leadership embrace growth and learning can motivate your team to reflect on their own attitudes and potentially adjust their approach to feedback and development.

4 Provide Resources

Offer your team resources and support to help them develop a growth mindset. This could include professional development workshops, access to educational materials, or mentoring programs. Highlight the benefits of continuous learning and how it can lead to better teaching practices. With the right tools at their disposal, educators may find it easier to embrace change and view feedback as a pathway to improvement.

5 Encourage Reflection

Encourage your team to engage in self-reflection as a way to internalize a growth mindset. Reflective practices can help them understand their reactions to feedback and identify areas for personal and professional growth. By regularly taking time to reflect, they can become more self-aware and open to constructive criticism. This self-awareness is a critical step towards embracing a growth mindset in their educational practice.

6 Reinforce Progress

Acknowledging and celebrating progress is crucial in reinforcing a growth mindset within your team. Recognize efforts and improvements, no matter how small, and show how they contribute to personal and team success. Positive reinforcement can boost morale and motivate educators to continue seeking feedback and striving for growth. It's an affirmation that their efforts to adopt a growth mindset are valued and impactful.