Growth Mindset - A Process

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the idea of change, especially in the workplace. Change isn’t always the grand, sweeping kind that everyone notices. Sometimes it’s a subtle shift—a new teammate, a project direction that feels unfamiliar, or a process that doesn’t look like what we’re used to. These small changes can stir up so much internally and raise questions that we often don’t voice, like, What does this change mean for me? How will it affect my role?

I’ve noticed that when new people join a team, there’s often a ripple effect. Sometimes, it’s subtle. Other times, it feels like the whole team dynamic is in flux. Leaders and managers might see adding new members as a straightforward way to improve team performance or reach goals faster. But for the people on the ground, adjusting to new personalities and ways of doing things can feel challenging.

I’ve often found myself wondering why changes—like a new hire or a shift in direction—can feel unsettling. Is it simply that change is hard, or is there more to it? And how do we work through those feelings while staying open to the benefits new people and ideas can bring?

The Unease of Change and How We Can Approach It

When someone new joins the team, it can feel as though our own relevance or even expertise is being questioned. In the past, I have sometimes found myself wondering, Does this mean I’m replaceable? or Is my role as important as I thought? I think that kind of discomfort is normal, and maybe even helpful if it leads to self-reflection. But we also have to be careful not to let these feelings interfere with our openness to change.

I’ve learned that identifying and questioning our biases is a huge part of dealing with these changes. Are we uneasy because we don’t see how this change fits into our idea of what “works”? Or is it possible that we’re more resistant because we fear our own relevance might be questioned? Sometimes, just acknowledging these feelings can be the first step in working through them.

Growth Mindset: A Process, Not Just a Buzzword

People often talk about having a “growth mindset” to embrace change, but from my experience, it’s not that simple. What does it really mean to have a growth mindset? How do we balance openness to change with a critical view of what’s best for the team? When change is tough, it’s tempting to resist and cling to the familiar, but I’m learning that approaching change as a way to grow is an active process.

For example, early in my career, I thought having a growth mindset was something I could just “choose.” But I realized it takes intention and practice. It means being willing to put in the effort to understand and work with change, even when it’s uncomfortable. In my own journey, this has meant reaching out to mentors and colleagues for perspective. It’s not always easy, but it helps me see change as an opportunity instead of something to fear.

Understanding the Context Behind Decisions

Something I keep reminding myself is that when decisions are made to bring in new people or change our direction, it’s often coming from a broader perspective than I can see. Leaders generally have a view of the bigger picture—something I might not fully understand from my role. I’ve found that instead of challenging every decision, it’s sometimes better to ask questions, listen, and stay curious.

I’ve learned that in many cases, those making decisions are considering things that aren’t immediately clear to everyone else. There may be a reason for changes that doesn’t immediately make sense, but that could become clearer over time. How do I stay open to those reasons without feeling sidelined? By being curious, by listening, and by recognizing that each person has their own valid perspective.

Finding the Balance: Supporting New Ideas While Honoring What Works

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that it’s possible to hold space for both tradition and new ideas. When someone new joins the team, my first instinct might be to make sure they “get” how we do things here. But what if, instead, I took a step back and asked, What can this person teach us? How might their perspective improve what we already have?

I’ve found that new colleagues often bring fresh insights that can benefit the whole team. Maybe their approach could save time or improve processes in ways we hadn’t considered. A good way forward is to find a balance between showing them how we operate and giving them the freedom to bring their ideas to the table. Sometimes, it’s not about making someone conform but rather learning together how to blend old and new.

As I continue to reflect on these experiences, I’m starting to see that embracing change isn’t about letting go of what works or blindly adopting every new thing. It’s about understanding, questioning our own resistance, and moving forward with a genuine curiosity about the people and ideas that come our way. It’s about asking ourselves: How can I make room for this change? What can I learn from it?

Change will always be a part of any work environment, whether we’re prepared for it or not. Learning to navigate it thoughtfully, with an open mind and a willingness to grow, has been one of the most valuable lessons of my journey so far. I know I have a long way to go, but I’m finding that these questions, and the commitment to asking them, are a powerful guide.