Awareness & Mindset
What is a mindset?
Processing processes are constantly taking place in our heads. The information about the situation is compared with known situations and the corresponding processing procedures are activated. They interpret the situation, evaluate it and lead to certain behaviors. The whole thing happens unconsciously. Similar situations often lead to the same thinking and behavior patterns. Mindsets are thought patterns that sit deep in our heads and that we apply to recurring situations.
"You can't teach a person anything, you can only help him to discover it in himself"
Mindsets determine our life
Mindsets are neural networks that have formed in the course of life. They also determine perception through feedback with the senses. In a situation we only see what the head wants. And that is almost ever what supports our mindset. Deviating information is neglected. This selected information goes into our heads for processing. There they got interpreted and evaluated and determine our behavior.
For example, a man can interpret his wife’s inquiries as pushing or patronizing. Perception may then focus on the undertone, the annoyed frown or the arms on the hips. The small snack in hand and the smile may be overlooked. It does not fit the intended interpretation.
We learned mindsets at some point, we took them over unconsciously. That is why mindsets are difficult to perceive in oneself. We feel what we think is right and the only true possibility. And we know thousands of reasons why we’re right. We did not have any information on any other interpretation.
"Whether you think you can do it or if you think you can not do it - you will definitely be right
Mindset - an example
There are different ways that people deal with mistakes. Some people are embarrassed about mistakes and want to undo them. You feel stupid and resentful that you behaved incorrectly in this situation. Carol Dweck calls this a “fixed mindset”
Others like mistakes in their lives. This will allow you to learn to do better next time and develop yourself further. They don’t see mistakes as mistakes but as a learning opportunity. Carol calls this a “growth mindset”
Some mindsets are helpful; Some not
Science knows a few mindsets by now. Optimism / pessimism; fixed or growth mindset; Problem or solution orientation, to name a few. Depending on the situation and profession, some are helpful and others are not.
A “growth mindset” is certainly an advantage in a rapidly changing company. As a result, we learn to deal with new situations, are open to changes and develop quickly.
As managers, we are faced with the task of examining and checking our own mindsets and recognizing the mindsets of our team members and using them correctly.
"Until you're ready to look foolish, you'll never have the possibility of being great."
Consciousness - the key to knowledge
Because the thought processes are unconscious, it is difficult to discover them. Often we can only notice the effects and draw conclusions. If we are totally frustrated due to a mistake, we can consciously notice it. Then wi may ask ourselves to get out and learn how to deal with the situation better the next time and get to your goal sooner.
Thinking about your life in peace and quiet, noticing how you are and what you would like to be different is a central point. And recognizing which things we really want and which are just fake makes things even more interesting. But that’s personal development – and that is promoted by neuroleadership.