How can we cultivate and nurture a growth mindset in healthcare, one that is always curious, seeking solutions? I firmly believe that everyday provides an opportunity to learn IF we’re in the frame of mind that allows us to do this. Valuing and creating time for systematic self-reflection followed by an opportunity to take action is something I know I need to work at. Having a positive yet realistic outlook is critical in helping us develop personally, as well as professionally.
So I’ve been thinking about what actions I can take to help nurture a ‘growth mindset’?…
1. We all have strong foundations that we need to acknowledge, our upbringing, our training, placements, jobs, people that have had an influence on us, they’ve all created a base from which we grow and flourish. Taking time to acknowledge this can be helpful as we work to build on it.
2. It’s important that we look back on what’s been tough. Reflecting on how we’ve coped with complex situations, means we’re actively using learning opportunities offered to us. Keeping a journal or writing a blog can help us document this learning that can be referred to in the future, as well as providing a record to show just how far we’ve come when times are particularly challenging.
3. Can we do more of thinking big, being ambitious? So often we limit ourselves to what we think is achievable rather than being brave and exploring the potential we could grasp. We’re grappling currently with the vastness of the child health agenda, how do we progress the public health and community offer, whilst sustaining more hospital and specialised care? Realistically it can’t be an either or, we need to be ambitious and grapple with both, articulating why this agenda matters so much to society.
4. Broadening our horizons by seeking out new ideas, inspiration and perspectives can enrich and diversify our approaches, importantly energising us with new solutions, encouraging creativity. With social media offering greater connectivity than ever before, a range of scholarship opportunities available such as Florence Nightingale Fellowships, we don’t have to look too far for opportunities.
5. Asking for and seeking out feedback from others can offer insights and perspectives that can be really constructive, and whilst it can feel uncomfortable, it is so worthwhile and valuable if we can ‘lean in’ and ask for perspectives on what’s going well and ideas on ‘even better if…’
6. It’s impossible to get things right all of the time even though we all love things to always go well, in reality failure teaches us so much – we shouldn’t be afraid of it, supportive colleagues can be incredibly helpful in working through challenges when they arise.
7. Yet it’s important we use all these elements to implement change. Whilst it can seem tedious to jot down action plans, objectives and aims, when we write things down its more likely to get done. I know I need to get better at this!
8. ‘Bite sized chunks’ is a saying I repeat to myself regularly. When the demands ahead seem overwhelming its worth focusing on taking one step at a time…
I’d love to know how you cultivate a growth mindset, ideas and insights welcomed!
Kath Evans Connecting 