CULTURES OF GROWTH

Strategies for changing one’s mindset.

Social psychologist Murphy brings 10 years of research to her analysis of how best to foster growth and development. She contrasts Cultures of Genius, which pit individuals against one another for recognition and promotion, with Cultures of Growth, where teams collaborate to work through problems, innovate solutions, and allow themselves to take risks. In Cultures of Growth, Murphy explains, talent and ability are honed and enhanced “through good strategies, mentoring, and organizational supports.” In evaluating a job applicant, for example, or conducting a periodic review, growth can be encouraged by looking for evidence of collaborative work, innovative ideas, risk-taking to solve a problem, and resilience when facing obstacles. Cultures of Growth do well to prize “learn-it-alls” over “know-it-alls.” In a workplace, writes the author, “mindset culture has a ripple effect that impacts everything: collaboration and innovation; who is hired, fired, and promoted; ethical (or unethical) behavior; diversity and inclusion; and bottom-line economic success.” Cultures of Growth, moreover, do well to understand the mindset of core customers—how open they are to the prospect of change and growth—to find “the most effective messaging to connect with consumers’ goals.” Murphy cites various organizations, including Patagonia, Microsoft, and the Good Food Institute, to support her argument about the benefits of Cultures of Growth. Studies reveal that collaborative mindsets promote less cheating among college students and more innovation in research labs and medical teams. In medical teams, for example, Cultures of Growth create an atmosphere of psychological safety in which employees at any level feel comfortable sharing ideas. Murphy offers suggestions for assessing both the mindset of organizations and microcultures and the mindset of the reader regarding evaluative and high-effort situations, critical feedback, and dealing with other people’s success.

A practical, useful guide for personal and organizational success.